Gadoxetic acid‑enhanced MRI for evaluation of vessels encapsulating tumor clusters and microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma

Motivation: VETC and MVI have a synergistic effect on prognosis assessment and treatment selection of HCC. Preoperative noninvasive evaluation of VETC and MVI is important. Goal(s): To explore the diagnosis value of nomograms based on preoperative gadoxetic acid (GA)-enhanced MRI features for MVI, VETC, and RFS in patients with HCC. Approach: Retrospective study explored the relationship between the clinical and imaging features of MVI, VETC, and MVI+/VETC+ using the same dataset. Results: Nomograms incorporating independent indicators showed good performance in the training and internal validation cohorts. Significant differences in recurrence rates between the nomogram-evaluated high- and low-risk stratification were found. Impact: Through the in-depth exploration of the combination of MVI and VETC, we can deepen the understanding of tumor metastasis heterogeneity, and the diagnosis and treatment plan, prognosis prediction and risk stratification of tumor patients can be formulated.