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Figure 1. Axial MR whole pelvis spin echoT1 weighted sequence images in a patient with rectal cancer. (a) The outer margin of the mesorectal fascia was defined on MRI as the fine hypointense linear structure (arrows) enveloping the mesorectum. (b) Measurement of the whole mesorectal fascial area was performed by planimetry. Employing workstation specific software, this measurement was obtained using an electronic cursor and a mouse to draw a freehand region of interest (ROI) along the mesorectal fascia, which was located by eye.
