Can IVIM help predict HCC recurrence after hepatectomy?

• The recurrence rate of HCC after hepatectomy was higher in patients with ADC, D, and f values that were lower than the optimal cutoff values. • The optimal cutoff values of ADC, D, D*, and f for predicting recurrence in HBV associated HCC were 0.858 × 10-3 mm2/s, 0.985 × 10-3 mm2/s, 12.5 × 10-3 mm2/s, and 23.4%, respectively. • The D value derived from IVIM diffusion-weighted imaging may be a useful biomarker for preoperative prediction of recurrence after hepatectomy in patients with HCC. When combined with age and AFP levels, D can improve the predictive performance for tumor recurrence.