Diagnostic efficacy of dual-energy computed tomography-based fractal analysis for assessing extramural venous invasion/tumor deposits and peripheral nerve invasion in rectal cancer

Key Points

• DECT-based fractal analysis enhances the prediction of extramural venous invasion and peripheral nerve invasion in rectal cancer.
• Quantitative markers from DECT improved diagnostic performance over standard CT parameters, indicating significant advancement.
• This analysis utilized dual-energy computed tomography to evaluate venous and nerve invasion before surgery, capturing complex patterns effectively.
• Findings underscore the need for integrating advanced imaging methods like DECT in routine clinical assessments for better patient outcomes.