Deep learning reconstruction accelerated reduced field-of-view DWI in rectal cancer: mucosa-submucosa-muscularis visualization and T staging

Applying deep learning reconstruction (DLR) to reduced field-of-view (rFOV) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) improved mucosa-submucosa-muscularis visualization and reduced acquisition time. DLR-based rFOV DWI significantly enhanced primary T-staging accuracy for rectal cancer, especially for early-stage tumors (T1 or T2). DLR-based rFOV DWI facilitated higher inter-reader agreements for locoregional staging and apparent diffusion coefficient measurement in rectal cancer.