Karmakar R, Gupta D, Mukundan A, Wang HC. Hydrogen peroxide-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: A novel approach for diagnosing anorectal-fistula. World J Radiol 2025; 17(3): 105777 [DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v17.i3.105777]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Arvind Mukundan, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Innovative Research on Aging Society, National Chung Cheng University, 168, University Road, Min Hsiung, Chiayi 621, Taiwan. d09420003@ccu.edu.tw
Research Domain of This Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Article-Type of This Article
Editorial
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Radiol. Mar 28, 2025; 17(3): 105777 Published online Mar 28, 2025. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v17.i3.105777
Hydrogen peroxide-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: A novel approach for diagnosing anorectal-fistula
Riya Karmakar, Devansh Gupta, Arvind Mukundan, Hsiang-Chen Wang
Riya Karmakar, Hsiang-Chen Wang, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi 62102, Taiwan
Devansh Gupta, Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala 147001, Punjab, India
Arvind Mukundan, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Innovative Research on Aging Society, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi 621, Taiwan
Co-first authors: Riya Karmakar and Devansh Gupta.
Co-corresponding authors: Arvind Mukundan and Hsiang-Chen Wang.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Arvind Mukundan, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Innovative Research on Aging Society, National Chung Cheng University, 168, University Road, Min Hsiung, Chiayi 621, Taiwan. d09420003@ccu.edu.tw
Received: February 7, 2025 Revised: March 11, 2025 Accepted: March 17, 2025 Published online: March 28, 2025 Processing time: 48 Days and 20.9 Hours
Abstract
In this editorial, a commentary on the article by Chang et al has been provided, the course of treatment of anorectal fistulas, especially complex and recurring ones, require accurate diagnostic procedures for determining ideal surgical procedures. Conventional ways of imaging sometimes fall short, offering insufficient insights in aggravated instances. In this editorial, a novel application of hydrogen peroxide-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (HP-MRI) that promises significant improvements in the imaging of anorectal fistula. Study is based on a retrospective investigation of 60 patients, contrasts the new HP-MRI with conventional diagnostic techniques such as physical examination, trans-perineal ultrasonography and poor spatial resolution MRI. The findings demonstrate HP-MRI's incredible diagnostic performance, with sensitivity and specificity rates of 96.08% and 90.91%, respectively, and unparalleled interobserver agreement (Kappa values ranging from 0.80 to 0.89). It has been a significant advancement for assessment of anorectal fistulas providing a better roadmap for surgical planning, lowering recurrence rates as well as reduced personal and financial burden on patients by reducing the need for repeated treatment and extended hospital stays. The remaining funds can be utilized for treatment of other medical need. Ultimately HP-MRI provides us a healthier & more efficient society by improvising patients well-being & optimized healthcare infrastructure.
Core Tip: Hydrogen peroxide-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (HP-MRI) provides a much higher diagnostic accuracy for complicated anorectal fistulas. This allows for a more accurate identification of hidden or branched fistula segments. More focused and conclusive surgical procedures are made possible by this improved imaging clarity, which lowers the risk of postoperative recurrence, readmissions to the hospital, and the requirement for further treatments. Additionally, HP-MRI offers financial benefits to patients and healthcare providers by reducing the incidence of problems and repeat treatments. Apart from reducing expenses, it improves the quality of life for patients, reducing suffering and promoting a more efficient and customized treatment plan, ultimately revolutionizing the care of anorectal fistulas.
