[The value of MRI for diagnosis of recurrence of rectal carcinoma after surgical resection].

OBJECTIVE

To define the possible role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis of local recurrence of rectal carcinoma.

METHODS

Pelvic MRI scans of 34 patients with rectal carcinoma received surgical resection were reviewed. SE sequence: Axial T1WI, T2WI and sagittal T1WI scanning of pelvis were performed. Two patients had Gd-DTPA enhancement.

RESULTS

Of the 34 patients 27 developed recurrence. The major MRI findings were: tumor mass in the sacro-anterior and perineal regions, T1WI with low signal intensity, T2WI with mixed but slightly high signal intensity, and discontinuity or loss of sacro-anterior fat space on sagittal T1WI. Cancer invasion could be detected to urinary bladder in 8 patients, to prostate in 6 patients, to sacrum in 6 patiens. Pelvic lymph node enlargement was seen in 3 patients. Seven patients did not show any signs of tumor recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Routine follow-up MRI scan after rectal carcinoma resection is useful in revealing recurrence of cancer and its extent of involvement.