Role of magnetic resonance imaging in assessment of rectal neoplasms

BackgroundMRI examination of the rectum has evolved as the standard technique in the assessment of cancer rectum having multiplaner capabilities and high tissue contrast imaging.Aim of the workThe aim of this study is to evaluate the role of MRI in assessment of rectal neoplasm.Patients and methodsIn this work, 42 patients were studied as preoperative evaluation and staging that known to have or highly suspected clinically to have rectal neoplasms. They were subjected to assessment by MRI using pelvic phased array coil with IV contrast (Gadolinium) and rectal gel administration.ResultsMRI was proved to have high accuracy in the assessment of the rectal wall infiltration and pelvic organ involvement which is about 93% and also has high accuracy in the assessment of peri-rectal lymph nodes involvement which is about 91% as compared to the post-operative pathological results.ConclusionOur study results demonstrate that high resolution MRI has pivotal role in accurate staging of rectal cancer and predicting involvement of the perirectal and pelvic lymph nodes as well as planning of the sphincter sparing surgery.