Liver Tumor Differentiation Enhanced by Adding Hepatobiliary Phase MR Fingerprinting: A Multi-parametric Diagnostic Approach

Motivation: Liver tumor differentiation by MRI has largely relied on T1 mapping with limited studies incorporating multiple quantitative parameters such as T2. Expanding MR Fingerprinting (MRF) to a multi-parametric approach may improve diagnostic accuracy. Goal(s): To evaluate the effectiveness of adding MRF during the hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI for improved liver tumor differentiation using a multi-parametric approach. Approach: A 9-echo MRF sequence measured T1, T2, T2*, and FF pre-contrast and MRF-derived T1 reduction rate post-contrast. Results: MRF-derived T1 reduction rate addition significantly improved benign/malignant differentiation, achieving a multivariate AUC of 0.89. Impact: Incorporating a multi-parametric approach with MRF during the hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI improves diagnostic accuracy in liver tumor differentiation, potentially reducing reliance on dynamic phases and enhancing non-invasive diagnostic capabilities in clinical liver assessments.