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Diffusion Tensor Imaging in the Diagnosis of Perianal Abscess: Protocol for a Single-Blind Randomized Controlled
Yuting Ma1, Pingping Mei1, Xiutian Guo1
1Department of Anorectal, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lane 68, Ronglian Road, Jiading Area, Shanghai, 201803, China, 86 15921038033.
Background:
Perianal abscesses are common anorectal conditions that often necessitate surgical intervention. Accurate preoperative assessment is crucial for effective treatment and reducing recurrence rates. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a valuable method for visualizing the degree of infection and infiltration, the extent of abscess formation, and the relationship between perianal abscess erosion. However, there is currently a lack of specific studies focusing on perianal abscesses.
Objective:
The objective of this study is to investigate the diagnostic utility of DTI in the preoperative assessment of perianal abscesses. By enhancing the precision of preoperative evaluation, we aim to minimize damage to the anal sphincter, reduce the recurrence rate, and improve the prognosis and quality of life for patients.
Methods:
This study adopts a randomized, prospective, single-blind design. Ninety participants are being randomized into 2 groups: a DTI group and a conventional magnetic resonance imaging group. A structured report is being completed based on imaging of the perianal abscesses in terms of location, number, specific pus cavity alignment, thickness, and relationship to the surrounding muscles. In addition, the patient condition is being assessed, and corresponding surgical treatment is being performed. If the patient's blood routine shows infection, cefuroxime sodium combined with metronidazole is being administered intravenously as an anti-infective therapy. Postoperatively, the primary variable is being assessed for recurrence rate at 6 months, and the secondary variables, including postoperative pain scores on days 3 and 7, peripheral blood inflammatory factors, and assessment of anal function, are being evaluated. Normally distributed continuous data will be presented as mean (SD) and analyzed using independent or paired t tests. Non-normally continuous data will be analyzed with rank-sum tests. Categorical data will be expressed as frequency (%) and compared using a chi-square test or appropriate nonparametric tests. Ordinal data will be analyzed using the Ridit test. A P value <.05 will be considered statistically significant.
Results:
This study is funded by Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality Science and Technology Program (grant 23Y11920800). Patient recruitment was initiated in April 2025. As of January 2026, 37 participants have been enrolled, and data collection is scheduled to be completed in October 2026.
Conclusions:
DTI technique can be used to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between internal orifice, the degree of infected infiltration, the extent of the abscess, and the involvement of the perianal tissues and muscles in patients with perianal abscess. Deep pelvic floor DTI reveals the complex 3D structure of the pelvic floor in perianal abscesses through structured reports, which may provide new insights into the diagnosis of perianal abscesses.
Insights
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) aids in preoperative assessment of perianal abscesses, improving surgical outcomes. This study investigates DTI
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Anorectal Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Perianal abscesses are common anorectal conditions requiring surgical intervention.
- Accurate preoperative assessment is vital for effective treatment and reducing recurrence.
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) shows potential for visualizing infection and abscess extent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diagnostic utility of DTI in preoperative perianal abscess assessment.
- To enhance preoperative evaluation precision to minimize sphincter damage.
- To reduce recurrence rates and improve patient prognosis and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Randomized, prospective, single-blind study comparing DTI and conventional MRI.
- Ninety participants assessed for abscess location, extent, and muscle involvement.
- Postoperative outcomes include recurrence rates, pain, inflammatory factors, and anal function.
Main Results:
- Patient recruitment initiated April 2025, with 37 enrolled by January 2026.
- Data collection is scheduled for completion in October 2026.
- Preliminary findings on DTI's diagnostic utility are pending full data analysis.
Conclusions:
- DTI offers deeper understanding of perianal abscesses, including infection, extent, and tissue involvement.
- Deep pelvic floor DTI reveals complex 3D pelvic floor structures in perianal abscesses.
- Structured DTI reporting may provide new diagnostic insights for perianal abscesses.
