MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging in staging and restaging of cancer rectum

Abstract

Abstract Background Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has emerged as one of the most reliable noninvasive methods for staging rectal carcinoma, due to its ability to precisely delineate rectal tumors. Aim The aim of this study is to assess role of diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging in primary staging and restaging of locally advanced rectal cancers. Patients and methods 40 cases with rectal cancer were included in the research referred to the Radio diagnosis department throughout the period from December 2018 to March 2022. Pelvic MRI with DW imaging was done for all cases. Results According to this studies adding DW imaging to conventional MRI among group I (patients with resectable rectal cancer) increased the diagnostic accuracy to 93.6%, sensitivity to 91%, and specificity to 100%. In group II (patients with locally advanced rectal carcinoma) there was significant increase in the diagnostic accuracy to 83.6%, giving also high negative predictive value as we were able to differentiate between complete responder and nonresponder. Furthermore, the diagnostic accuracy in the evaluation of the mesorectal fascia involvement was much improved after the addition of DW imaging. Conclusion DW imaging yields better diagnostic accuracy than using conventional MR imaging alone in initial staging and restaging of cases with locally advanced rectal cancer.