FOCUS-MUSE DWI in Primary Rectal Cancer: Comparison with FOCUS, MUSE, and Single-shot EPI DWI

Motivation: DWI is important for rectal cancer (RC) assessment. FOCUS-MUSE is an advanced DWI technique which holds promise for superior image quality. However, its clinical application in primary RC remains uncertain. Goal(s): Compares the performance of FOCUS-MUSE with that of FOCUS, MUSE, and single-shot EPI DWI for primary RC assessment. Approach: 45 patients were enrolled, and each was imaged using the four sequences. Signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR), and T stage were assessed. Results: FOCUS-MUSE exhibited sufficient SNR and the highest CNR of RC lesion. It was also the best sequence to demonstrate subtle tumor feature for more accurate T staging of primary RC. Impact: Our study showed FOCUS-MUSE provided improved image quality of DWI for primary RC T staging. The application of FOCUS-MUSE DWI may be beneficial for evaluating and managing RC.