Simultaneous Multi-Slice Imaging in DKI and IVIM for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Correlation with Microvascular Invasion and Histologic Grade

Motivation: IVIM and DKI, effective in HCC malignancy prediction, face limitations due to lengthy scan times. The Simultaneous Multi-Slice (SMS) technology has successfully reduced scan times for ADC studies, but its application in IVIM and DKI remains underexplored. Goal(s): To evaluate SMS-accelerated IVIM and DKI's efficacy in predicting HCC microvascular invasion (MVI) and tumor grading compared to conventional methods. Approach: The study enrolled 42 HCC patients, conducting MRI with both conventional and SMS-accelerated DWI, DKI, and IVIM. Results: SMS significantly reduced MRI scan times while maintaining reliable diffusion metrics, proving more effective than ADC in predicting MVI and tumor grades in HCC. Impact: Integrating SMS into IVIM and DKI protocols can notably shorten scan times while preserving diagnostic accuracy in MVI and tumor grading, potentially improving clinical efficiency and patient management.