Application of Cellular Microstructural Mapping (Cell size imaging) by Time-Dependent Diffusion MRI in rectal lesions: a preliminary study

Motivation: Preoperative evaluation of rectal lesions remains challenging, we need better methods to evaluate malignant and benign lesions, and to estimate prognostic factors for rectal cancer. Goal(s): To explore the application value of cellular microstructural mapping by td-dMRI in evaluating the histological type and prognostic factors of rectal lesions. Approach: Sixty-six patients with rectal lesions were enrolled in this study. MRI was performed on a 3T scanner (Ingenia Elition, Philips Healthcare, Best, the Netherlands). All subjects underwent conventional MRI, oscillating gradient spin-echo (OGSE) and pulse gradient spin-echo (PGSE). Results: Our preliminary results illustrated that td-dMRI are useful in preoperative evaluation of rectal lesions. Impact: Cellular microstructural mapping by time-dependent diffusion MRI has great potential in preoperative evaluation of rectal lesions. The results illustrated that it could be helpful in differentiating malignant and benign lesions, distinguishing AC from MC, and in predicting the TB status.