Evaluating Microstructures in Endometrial Cancer Using Diffusion-Relaxation Correlated Spectroscopic Imaging

Motivation: Conventional MRI techniques often fail to capture the detailed microstructural complexities of Endometrial Cancer (EC). Goal(s): To evaluate the efficacy of diffusion relaxation correlated spectroscopic imaging (DR-CSI) in assessing EC and to compare its diagnostic performance with conventional MRI techniques. Approach: We enrolled 62 patients with histopathologically confirmed EC. DR-CSI data were analyzed to generate a four-compartment D-T2 spectra, yielding corresponding volume fraction metrics. The relationships between imaging parameters and histopathologic results were evaluated. Results: DR-CSI derived parameters closely associated with histopathological status including histological grades (VII, VIII); lymph node metastasis status (VFIV), and myometrial invasion statuses (VFI and ADC). Impact: DR-CSI offers a novel and effective method for quantifying microstructural compartments in EC, providing superior diagnostic accuracy compared to conventional techniques. The ability to capture detailed microstructural information from DR-CSI metrics holds promise for offering deeper insights into tumor heterogeneity.