Figure 1.

The morphologic patterns in transverse T2-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI) after preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Pattern A is defined as fat pad larger than 2 mm between the residual tumour mass and the mesorectal fascia (MRF). Pattern B is defined as spiculations extending <2 mm to the MRF. Pattern C is defined as diffuse fibrotic or tumour tissue abutting on the MRF at the initial tumour site without thickening of the MRF itself. Pattern D is defined as diffuse fibrotic or tumour tissue abutting on the MRF with thickening of the MRF itself. Pattern E is defined as diffuse fibrotic or tumour tissue beyond the MRF.