FOCUS-MUSE and MUSE Diffusion-Weighted Imaging: A Comparative Study in Gastric Cancer Imaging

Motivation: DWI is a powerful technique, but poor image quality has remained a key limitation, hindering diagnostic accuracy for gastric cancer. Goal(s): To compare the image quality and T staging performance of FOCUS MUSE DWI and the MUSE DWI in gastric cancer. Approach: The image quality was evaluated using a five-point scale qualitatively. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated in measurable lesions. The preoperative T staging accuracy for gastric cancer patients was assessed based on two sequences. Results: The FOCUS MUSE exhibited superior image quality and performance in comparison to MUSE DWI for T staging. Impact: The FOCUS MUSE DWI is a better imaging protocol for the T staging assessment of gastric cancer patients, compared with the MUSE DWI.