Abstract: Objective To analyze the magnetic resonance (MR) manifestations of micro hepatocellular carcinoma (MHCC) retrospectively, and to improve the awareness and the early diagnostic rate of MHCC. Methods Fifty-five foci from 50 cases clinically and pathologically diagnosed of MHCC were collected, and the manifestations of scan and dynamic contrast-enhancement (DCE) in MR were also analyzed.Results Main MR manifestations were described as follows: foci with high signal in diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and T2 weighted imaging (T2WI) accounted for 96.4% (53/55) and 76.4% (42/55), respectively, with significant difference (P=0.007). Rate of foci with low signal in T1 weighted imaging (T1WI) was 67.3% (37/55). Foci with lipids compositions in double echo was 14.5% (8/55). In DCE, 67.3% (37/55) foci appeared arterial hypervascularity and venous or delayed phase washout, while 32.7% (18/55) were with arterial hypervascularity and venous or delayed phase late washout. All neoplastic foci were enlarged in reexamination within 2 months to 2.5 years.Conclusion At present, 1.5/3.0T MR might be served as the best method for detecting MHCC, which should be preferred as the first choice in regular examination for patients with chronic liver disease.

Key words: Hepatopathy, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Magnetic resonance imaging