Abstract

SEEHAUS, Alberto; FATAL JAEF, Virginia; PIETRANI, Marcelo  and  OCANTOS, Jorge. Value of the magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of the circumferential resection margin (CRM) in patients with rectal cancer. Rev. argent. radiol. [online]. 2009, vol.73, n.2, pp.187-191. ISSN 1852-9992.

Purpose: To determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can predict tumor involvement of the circumferential resection margin (CRM) in patients with rectal cancer. Materials and methods: Between april 2005 and march 2008, 70 consecutive patients (mean age 64, range 34-78 years), 40 F and 30 M, with endoscopy and biopsy- proven middle and lower rectal cancer. Non contrast enhanced MRI was performed on a Siemens Avanto 1.5 T. A phased array coil was used and T2 weighted thin section sequences (TR/TE 4200/88, slice thickness 3mm, gap 0, matrix 256 x 256, field of view 150 x 150 mm) were performed in axial, sagittal and coronal orientations. Patients received a 150 ml glycerin enema before examination. No air insufflations or intramuscular antispasmodic was used. The shortest distance from the tumor edge to the circumferential margin was measured. A distance ≤ 2 mm, analyzed in axial slices, was considered as definition of circumferential margin involvement. Results: The CRM was 2 mm in both MRI and histopathological findings in 26 patients. In 8 cases the CRM was shorter on MRI than in histopathological sections. In 32 patients the CRM was respected in both exams and 4 patients were considered positive on histopathological findings but negative in MRI. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for prediction of tumor involvement of CRM were 86%, 80%, 76% and 88%, respectively. Conclusions: MRI gives reliable information on tumor involvement of the CRM in patients with rectal cancer. This may provide accurate identification of an important prognostic risk factor in patients prior to surgical treatment.

Keywords : Rectal cancer; Circumferential resection margin; Rectal MRI.

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