Fraum TJ, Ma J, Jhaveri K, Nepal P, Lall C, Costello J, Harisinghani M. The optimized rectal cancer MRI protocol: choosing the right sequences, sequence parameters, and preparatory strategies.
Abdom Radiol (NY) 2023;
48:2771-2791. [PMID:
36899281 DOI:
10.1007/s00261-023-03850-z]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Pelvic MRI plays a critical role in rectal cancer staging and treatment response assessment. Despite a consensus regarding the essential protocol components of a rectal cancer MRI, substantial differences in image quality persist across institutions and vendor software/hardware platforms. In this review, we present image optimization strategies for rectal cancer MRI examinations, including but not limited to preparation strategies, high-resolution T2-weighted imaging, and diffusion-weighted imaging. Our specific recommendations are supported by case studies from multiple institutions. Finally, we describe an ongoing initiative by the Society of Abdominal Radiology's Disease-Focused Panel (DFP) on Rectal and Anal Cancer to create standardized rectal cancer MRI protocols across scanner platforms.
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