【Abstract】ObjectiveTo evaluate the value of MR imaging with a contrast-enhanced multi-phasic isotropic volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) in diagnosis of primary liver carcinoma. MethodsThirty-two consecutive patients with surgical-pathologically confirmed 42 foci of primary carcinoma of liver underwent comprehensive MR examination of the upper abdomen, routine two-dimensional (2D) T1WI and T2WI images were acquired before administration of Gd-DTPA for contrast enhancement. Then, contrast-enhanced multi-phasic VIBE was acquired followed by 2D T1WI images. The lesion appearances on hepatic arterial, portal venous and equilibrium phases of VIBE sequence were carefully observed along with delineation of hepatic arterial and portal venous structures. The lesion detection rates and lesion characterization ability were compared among various MR sequences. Results33(78.6%), 30(71.4%), 38(90.5%) and 42(100%) foci were displayed respectively on T2WI, non-enhanced T1WI, enhanced T1WI and enhanced 3D-VIBE images (P＜0.05). The hepatic arterial anatomy of 30 patients （93.8%） and the portal venous structure of 31 patients （96.9%） were clearly depicted on enhanced 3D-VIBE images. Using MIP and MPR reconstruction techniques, the feeding arteries of 14 foci and draining vein of 12 foci were clearly displayed.ConclusionHigh-quality 3D-VIBE images are not only better than 2D images in lesion detection and characterization for primary liver carcinoma, but also able to provide much more information about hepatic vascular anatomy.