Correlation of MRI-detected extramural vascular invasion with regional lymph node metastasis in rectal cancer

AimTo evaluate the value of magnetic resonance imaging-detected extramural vascular invasion (MR-EMVI) in predicting regional lymph node metastasis (RLNM) in patients with rectal cancer.MethodsA total of 183 patients were included. A set of clinical and imaging factors including MR-EMVI were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses to determine the risk factors for RLNM.ResultsAmong the clinical and imaging factors evaluated, MR-EMVI, pathologic EMVI, nodal size, and diffusion-weighted imaging-detected positive nodes were independent predictors of RLNM.ConclusionsMR-EMVI may be an independent predictor of RLNM in patients with rectal cancer.