title: Accuracy of thin section magnetic resonance using phased-array pelvic coil in predicting the T-staging of rectal cancer.
abstract: Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging may contribute to staging rectal cancer and inform the decision regarding administration of pre-operative radiotherapy. The accuracy of MR has been debated. The aim of the present study was to determine the accuracy of thin section T2-weighted MR images in rectal cancer patients. MR results were compared with histological assessment of resection specimens. Over a 2-year period, 42 patients were studied. Histological staging was pT2 n = 13, pT3 n = 25 and pT4 n = 4. MR diagnostic accuracy was 74%. MR sensitivity and specificity was 62% and 79% for pT2 lesions, 84% and 59% for pT3 lesions and 50% and 76% for pT4 lesions. Estimation of tumour penetration by thin section MR imaging of rectal cancers using pelvic phased-array coil has moderate diagnostic accuracy. The limitations of MR should be acknowledged when selecting rectal cancer patients for pre-operative radiotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Royal Infirmary, Alexandra Parade, Glasgow, Scotland, UK. fw.poon@northglasgow.scot.nhs.uk
authors.forename: F W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Poon
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McDonald
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Duthie
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rodger
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: McCurrach
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: McKee
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Horgan
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Foulis
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chong
authors.forename: I G
authors.initials: IG
authors.lastname: Finlay
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity