Classification of liver lesions based on temporal changes in hepatobiliary phase contrast on magnetic resonance imaging: a preliminary study

This study evaluated whether temporal changes from the dynamic late phase to the hepatobiliary phase using gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid supported liver tumor classification. A total of 147 patients with 165 lesions (hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC], metastases, and hemangiomas) underwent 3.0 T MRI. Quantitative liver lesion contrast (Q-LLC) and its rate of change (%) at 3, 10, and 15 min postcontrast were analyzed. Tumors were stratified according to albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade. For ALBI grade 1, the Q-LLC significantly differed at 3 min and 10 min (P < 0.05). Q-LLC increased over time, and the rate of change was the lowest in HCC, followed by metastases, and was the highest in hemangiomas. Significant differences in the rate of change were observed among tumor types for ALBI grade 1 (P < 0.01). These findings suggest that the Q-LLC rate of change may aid in liver tumor classification, particularly in patients with preserved liver function.