Preoperative detection of local extension of carcinoma of the rectum using magnetic resonance imaging.
BACKGROUND
We evaluated the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to define local extension of rectal carcinoma.


METHODS
Thirty-three patients with rectal carcinoma were preoperatively assessed by MRI.


RESULTS
When sagittal or coronal images, or both, were added to transverse images as needed, the sensitivity rate was 84.2 percent and the specificity rate was 92.9 percent. False-positive results when using only transverse images were mainly related to slight extramural spread, to an anterior location in the lower rectum (partial volume effect), and to massive extramural spread of the middle rectal tumors.


CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative MRI was helpful to define tumor extension three-dimensionally.
Second Department of Surgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan.
M
M
Kusunoki
H
H
Yanagi
N
N
Kamikonya
Y
Y
Hishikawa
Y
Y
Shoji
T
T
Yamamura
J
J
Utsunomiya
D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D010808:Physical Examination; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods