The value of diffusion-derived vessel density (DDVD) in differentiating hepatocellular carcinoma and liver hemangioma

Motivation: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hemangioma (HG), despite their distinct pathological structures, frequently exhibit similar imaging characteristics, leading to challenges in accurate diagnosis. Goal(s): Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has demonstrated limitations in effectively differentiating between HG and HCC, often resulting in misdiagnosis. Diffusion-derived vessel density (DDVD) has emerged as a novel imaging biomarker indicative of tissue vessel density. Approach: This study aimed to generate a DDVD spatial map to intuitively visualize the tumor angiogenesis heterogeneity. Results: The findings revealed that DDVD values were significantly higher in HG than HCC, underscoring the significant utility of DDVD-related parameters in differentiating HCC from HG. Impact: Diffusion-derived vessel density, a novel imaging biomarker reflecting tissue vessel density, holds the potential to visualize spatial angiogenesis heterogeneity and enhance diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing between hepatocellular carcinoma and hemangioma, enabling more precise treatment planning and improved patient outcomes.