Quantitative MRI approach in the preoperative evaluation of a rare large-mass abdominal GIST tumor

Abstract

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare cancers originating from the gastrointestinal tract's interstitial cells of Cajal. This study explores the utility of quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), particularly volumetric lesion segmentation, in the preoperative evaluation of large-mass abdominal GISTs. MRI offers high-resolution imaging without ionizing radiation, which is crucial for oncology patients requiring repeated scans. Advanced semi-automatic segmentation techniques were employed in this study from different MRI sequences to enhance precision in tumor boundary delineation and volumetric analysis, and aid personalized surgical planning. In addition, this study demonstrates that using different clinical imaging protocols and comparing volumetric data from CT and various MRI sequences yields consistent results with minimal volumetric error. Finally, integrating MRI data into real-time surgical navigation systems underscored the synergy between radiology, surgical oncology, and computer science, improving tumor margin assessment and reducing recurrence risk. This approach highlights a pivotal shift towards technology-enhanced healthcare, promising better patient outcomes.