T 1 mapping on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging predicts recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy

Our purpose was to demonstrate the prognostic significance of T1 mapping on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging in prediction of recurrence of single HCC after hepatectomy.One hundred and seven patients with single nodular HCC (≤3 cm) who underwent preoperative gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI were included in the study. T1 mapping with syngo MapIt was obtained on a 1.5 T scanner. Radiological features and reduction rate of T1 relaxation time (Δ%) of tumors were assessed by two radiologists. Cumulative recurrence rates were compared between groups of low and high reduction rate of T1 relaxation time. A further classified cumulative recurrence rate of the overall cohort was based on the numbers of independent predictive factors.Reduction rate of T1 relaxation time (P = 0.001) and non-hypervascular hypointense nodules (P = 0.042) in preoperative gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI were independently related to recurrence of HCC after hepatectomy. Patients of lower reduction rates group had higher cumulative recurrence rates (P < 0.0001) than patients of higher reduction rates group. A combination of the two risk factors in patients with single HCC had significantly higher recurrence rates compared to those with either or none of the two risk factors.Reduction rate of T1 relaxation time combined with non-hypervascular hypointense nodules can be reliable biomarkers in the preoperative prediction of recurrence of HCC after hepatectomy.