In this study we employed a clinically feasible diffusion MRI acquisition and modelling approach at 1.5T to characterize perfusion (IVIM) and higher order diffusion (Kurtosis) properties of mesorectal lymph nodes in rectal cancer patients upon staging. The results showed that diffusivity estimated from the IVIM-Kurtosis model was the only parameter showing significant differences between benign and malignant lymph nodes. Moreover, ROC analysis evidenced improved differentiation when adding IVIM-Kurtosis to standard T2-weighted qualitative assessment by expert radiologists.
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