Predictive Potential of IVIM for Vessels Encapsulate Tumor Clusters and Recurrence-free Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Motivation: To explore a more accurate non-invasive method for predicting VETC pattern in HCC. Goal(s): To estimate the potential of preoperative IVIM in predicting of VETC pattern in HCC. Approach: Investigating the correlation between IVIM-derived parameters and the VETC pattern, and constructing a predictive model. Results: Our results showed that VETC HCC exhibited a declining f value trend and outperformed conventional imaging-clinical models when an integrated model was established, incorporating intratumoral necrosis and high-level AFP. Furthermore, this model is capable of identifying individuals at high risk of postoperative recurrence. Impact: To our knowledge, this study marks the first time diffusion sequences have been used to predict VETC in HCC, which offers a fresh perspective and paves the way for more accurate VETC direction in the future.