Low b-values in apparent diffusion coefficient calculations overestimate diffusion in rectal cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), derived from diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI), is commonly calculated using a monoexponential model. However, there is no consensus on optimal b-value selection for ADC quantification in rectal cancer. This prospective observational study evaluated how varying b-value combinations influence ADC values. Patient/material and methods: DWI with seven b-values (b = 0, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, and 1,300 s/mm2) was acquired from 23 rectal cancer patients in the OxyTarget study (NCT01816607) using a 1.5T Philips Achieva scanner. Two radiologists independently delineated whole-tumour volumes of interest. ADC values were calculated using 18 different b-value combinations and compared with a biexponential reference.

Results

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SUBMITTER: Hundvin JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12553313 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature