[en] Objective: To discuss the clinical value of MR diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the follow-up of hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemo embolization (TACE). Methods: MR DWI was performed in 16 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after receiving TACE. The DWI findings were compared with DSA and/or CT signs. The mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value of each lesion was determined separately, and the mean ADC value of intra-hepatic metastatic lesion was compared with that of the primary lesion. Results: A total of 18 lesions were revealed in DSA, of which satisfactory iodinated oil deposit was seen in 11 (satisfactory group) and poor deposit in 7 (poor group). After TACE, the mean ADC value of normal hepatic parenchyma showed no obvious changes when compared to its preoperative value (t = 0.54, P > 0.05). The mean ADC value obtained in poor group was significantly lower than that obtained in satisfactory group (t = 4.81, P < 0.01). In satisfactory group the preoperative ADC values were higher than the postoperative ones (t = 6.81, P < 0.01), while in poor group no significant difference was found between preoperative and postoperative ADC values. In addition, twelve intra-hepatic metastases were detected on DWI. Statistically significant difference in the mean ADC value existed between the metastatic lesions and the primary lesions (t = 4.61, P < 0.01). Conclusion: DWI is very sensitive in detecting hepatic metastatic lesions and, therefore, can be used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of TACE. (authors)