Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Rectal Cancer

Abstract

High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a pivotal role in the pretreatment assessment of primary rectal cancer. The success of this technique depends on obtaining good-quality high-resolution T2-weighted images of the primary tumor, orthogonal to rectal lumen. The goal of magnetic resonance staging is to identify patients who will benefit from neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgery to minimize postoperative recurrence and planning of optimal surgical approach. MRI also facilitates optimal identification of important prognostic factors, which improves both treatment selection and posttreatment follow-up. The objective of this article is to review the existing literature and provide a concise update on various aspects of rectal cancer imaging, discuss the current role of advanced imaging techniques such as diffusion-weighted and perfusion imaging in the evaluation of rectal cancer, and to assess response to therapy.

Diagnostic Effectiveness of High-Resolution T2- Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Restaging Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy

“…The involvement of probable extra mesorectal and mesorectal lymph nodes, as well as the likely involvement of anterior peritoneal reflection, circumferential resection margin (EMVI), and CRM, is investigated during restaging. [14] To summarize our study's T staging results, hT2W-MRI properly diagnosed all tumors with pathological stage T3 100% of the time (5/5). hT2W-MRI was reported to be ineffective in patients with pathological stages T2 and lower (T1-T2-Tinsno tumor).…”

Effectiveness of High-resolution T2-weighted Mri in Restaging Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvan Chemoradiotherapy

“…The morphological appearance of the tumor, the length of the tumor and its distance from the anal werge are displayed in detail. During restaging, involvement of suspected extramesorectal and mesorectal lymph nodes and possible involvement of anterior peritoneal re ection, EMVI and CRM are evaluated [14].…”