Histogram Analysis of IVIM and DKI in Differentiating Metastatic and Non-Metastatic Lateral Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer: A Preliminary Study

Motivation: Lateral local recurrence, primarily due to lateral lymph node (LLN) metastases, is now the most frequent type of recurrence following rectal cancer surgery. However, the diagnostic accuracy of MRI methods in diagnosing LLN metastasis remains limited. Goal(s): To explore the value of histogram analysis of IVIM and DKI in distinguishing between metastatic and non-metastatic LLNs in rectum cancer. Approach: Mean values of D, D*, f, K , ADC, and their histogram parameters were compared between MLD and NLD. ROC curves were used to investigate the diagnostic efficiency. Results: The D* derived from IVIM has potential value in differential diagnosis of LLNs in rectum cancer. Impact: The D* derived from IVIM model has potential value in the differential diagnosis of metastatic and non-metastatic lateral lymph node of rectum cancer. The histogram analysis may provide more information in the clinical management of LLN metastasis.