Dark lumen magnetic resonance colonography: comparison with conventional colonoscopy for the detection of colorectal pathology.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and usefulness of a new magnetic resonance (MR) colonography technique for the detection of colorectal pathology in comparison with conventional colonoscopy as the standard of reference.


METHODS
A total of 122 subjects with suspected colorectal disease underwent "dark lumen" MR colonography. A contrast enhanced T1w three dimensional VIBE sequence was collected after rectal administration of water. The presence of colorectal masses and inflammatory lesions were documented. Results were compared with those of a subsequently performed colonoscopy.


RESULTS
MR colonography was found to be accurate regarding detection of clinically relevant colonic lesions exceeding 5 mm in size, with sensitivity and specificity values of 93%/100%.


CONCLUSIONS
Dark lumen MR colonography can be considered as a promising alternative method for the detection of colorectal disease. In addition, it allows assessment of extraluminal organs.
Ajaj
W
W
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital, Essen, Germany. waleed.ajaj@uni-essen.de
Pelster
G
G
Treichel
U
U
Vogt
F M
FM
Debatin
J F
JF
Ruehm
S G
SG
Lauenstein
T C
TC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity