Vessels encapsulating tumor clusters contribute to the intratumor heterogeneity of HCC on Gd-EOB-DTPA–enhanced MRI

Vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) pattern is tumor vasculature of HCC and is a predictor of prognosis and therapeutic efficacy. Recent radiological studies have demonstrated the predictability of VETC from preoperative images, but the mechanisms of image formation are not elucidated. This study aims to determine the relationship between VETC and intratumor heterogeneity in Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI) and to provide its pathological evidence.