The optimized rectal cancer MRI protocol: choosing the right sequences, sequence parameters, and preparatory strategies.
Tyler J FraumJingfei MaKartik JhaveriPankaj NepalChandana LallJames CostelloMukesh HarisinghaniPublished in: Abdominal radiology (New York) (2023)
Pelvic MRI plays a critical role in rectal cancer staging and treatment response assessment. Despite a consensus regarding the essential protocol components of a rectal cancer MRI, substantial differences in image quality persist across institutions and vendor software/hardware platforms. In this review, we present image optimization strategies for rectal cancer MRI examinations, including but not limited to preparation strategies, high-resolution T2-weighted imaging, and diffusion-weighted imaging. Our specific recommendations are supported by case studies from multiple institutions. Finally, we describe an ongoing initiative by the Society of Abdominal Radiology's Disease-Focused Panel (DFP) on Rectal and Anal Cancer to create standardized rectal cancer MRI protocols across scanner platforms.
Keyphrases
- rectal cancer
- diffusion weighted imaging
- contrast enhanced
- locally advanced
- magnetic resonance imaging
- high resolution
- image quality
- computed tomography
- magnetic resonance
- randomized controlled trial
- squamous cell carcinoma
- artificial intelligence
- young adults
- quality improvement
- high grade
- pet ct
- tandem mass spectrometry
- high speed
- molecularly imprinted