Whole-lesion Apparent Diffusion Coefficient First- and Second-Order Texture Features for the Characterization of Rectal Cancer Pathological Factors.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the value of whole-volume apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) features in characterizing pathologic features of rectal cancer.

METHODS: A total of 50 patients who were diagnosed with rectal cancer via biopsy underwent 3-T pretreatment diffusion-weighted imaging. Apparent diffusion coefficient features, including mean, 10th-90th percentile, Entropy and Entropy(H), derived from whole-lesion volumes were compared between pathologic T1-2 and T3 stages, perineural invasion (PNI) present and absent, lymphangiovascular invasion present and absent, and pathological N0 and N+ stage groups.

RESULTS: Entropy and Entropy(H) were significantly lower in rectal cancers at T1-2 stages than T3. The 90th percentile of rectal cancers with PNI was significantly lower than that of those without PNI. All P < 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS: Whole-lesion ADC Entropy and Entropy(H) have potential in evaluating different T stages, and 90th percentile can be helpful for determining PNI presence of rectal cancers.