Value of Magnetic Resonance Stretched-Exponential and Fractional Order Calculus Models to Differentiate HCC and ICC

Motivation: The traditional apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value had limited value in differentiating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Goal(s): To evaluate the value of stretched-exponential model (SEM) and fractional order calculus (FROC) diffusion model in differentiating HCC and ICC. Approach: Parameters from SEM and FROC models and ADC value using multiple b-value DWI data were obtained, and were evaluated using t-test and ROC curve in differential diagnosis of HCC and ICC. Results: Distributed diffusion coefficient (DDC) from SEM and diffusion coefficient (D) from FROC had significant differences between HCC and ICC, and had higher performances than the ADC. Impact: DDC from SEM and D from FROC model may be helpful to improve the accuracy of the preoperative imaging diagnosis and guide personalized treatment for liver tumor.