Peritumoral Hyperintensity at Hepatobiliary Phase Gadoxetic Acid-enhanced MRI in Hepatic Neuroendocrine Tumors.

Abstract

To identify the imaging and clinical features of hepatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) associated with peritumoral hyperintensity in the hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Fifty-seven patients with hepatic NETs were enrolled. Based on the degree of peritumoral hyperintensity, patients were divided into three groups: group 0 (no peritumoral hyperintensity), group 1 (lower peritumoral hyperintensity), and group 2 (higher peritumoral hyperintensity). The imaging and clinical findings were compared among the three groups. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of group 2 were significantly lower than those of group 0 and group 1. Atypical (cholangiocarcinoma-like) enhancement pattern in the arterial phase was significantly more frequently observed in group 2 as compared to that in group 0 and group 1. Group 2 patients showed significantly poorer progression-free survival than group 0 patients. Hepatic NETs with greater peritumoral hyperintensity exhibit greater malignant potential.