Pathological Features of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Irregular Rim-Like Arterial Phase Enhancement and its Prognosis Analysis

Motivation: IRE-HCC(Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Irregular Rim-Like Arterial Phase Enhancement) typically exhibits aggressive histopathological characteristics and has a poorer prognosis compared to non-IRE-HCC. Goal(s): To investigate the pathological characteristics of IRE-HCC using gadoxetic acid-enhanced, and its early recurrence prognostic significance after surgery. Approach: This study is a retrospective research. Results: Cytokeratin 19 (CK19) , microvascular invasion and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) target signs were independent predictors for IRE-HCCs. The 2-year cumulative recurrence-free survival rate postoperative of IRE-HCCs was 24.1%, which was significantly shorter than that of non-IRE-HCCs. Microvascular invasion and IRE were independent predictors of early postoperative recurrence of HCC. Impact: HCC with irregular rim-like enhancement in the arterial phase may serve as a non-invasive biomarker for predicting poor prognosis.