Virtual MR elastography based on IVIM for assessment of tumor, node and prognostic stage in rectal cancer: compared with real MR elastography

Motivation: It is not widely available to real MR elastography (r-MRE) for clinical because of external elastography equipment. Goal(s): To assess the staging value of virtual MR elastography (v-MRE) preoperatively in rectal adenocarcinoma (RA). Approach: Relationship between shift ADC (sADC) from IVIM and real shear-wave speed (Cr-MRE), inversion of the equation for generating virtual shear-wave speed (Cv-MRE), and assessment of pathological stages in RA patients. Results: In diagnosing T, N and P stage, the virtual MR elastography has potential to replace real MR elastography. Impact: This study overcomes the shortcomings of real MR elastography and facilitates MR elastography to be used in clinical practice.