Common Misconceptions about Rectal Cancer MRI

Congress:

ECR 2023

Poster Number:

C-13534

Type:

Educational Exhibit

Keywords:

Abdomen, Colon, Oncology, CT, MR, MR-Diffusion/Perfusion, Diagnostic procedure, Staging, Cancer

Authors:

M. Canedo Antelo, A. Naveiras Calvo, M. Bravo Gonzalez, S. Baleato Gonzalez, R. Garcia Figueiras

DOI:

10.26044/ecr2023/C-13534

DOI-Link:

https://dx.doi.org/10.26044/ecr2023/C-13534

Learning objectives

-To clarify confusing anatomical, oncological and surgical concepts, assessable by imaging, that will condition the management of the patient with rectal cancer. -To evaluate the variability in the nomenclature between the different medical specialties involved in the multidisciplinary team. -To show imaging findings that will define the staging and restaging of rectal cancer.

Background

Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignant tumor worldwide. With advances in treatment and increasingly personalized patient management, the role of the multidisciplinary team is indisputable. Therefore, there is a need to clarify confusing concepts, which will define how imaging findings condition the management of these patients.

Findings and procedure details

1. RECTUM: DO WE ALL UNDERSTAND THE SAME THING? The definition of the rectum is not without debate and varies according to medical speciality (Figure 1). The rectum is located between the sigma and the anal canal. In general, the most useful landmark for the transition from the sigmoid colon to the rectum is the loss of the taenia coli, the appendices epiploicae and the surgical mesocolon at about the level of the third sacral vertebra at the rectosigmoid junction, where the superior rectal artery...

Conclusion

Imaging tests are a useful tool to assess critical anatomical landmarks, tumor staging and restaging and features that will determine the prognosis and management of patients with rectal cancer.

Personal information and conflict of interest

M. Canedo Antelo: Nothing to disclose A. Naveiras Calvo: Nothing to disclose M. Bravo Gonzalez: Nothing to disclose S. Baleato Gonzalez: Nothing to disclose R. Garcia Figueiras: Nothing to disclose

References

Balyasnikova S, et al. Diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution MRI as a method to predict potentially safe endoscopic and surgical planes in patients with early rectal cancer. BMJ Open Gastro (2017). Balyasnikova S, et al. Session 2: Extramural vascular invasion and extranodal deposits: should they be treated the same? Colorectal Dis (2018) . D´Souza N, et al. The sigmoid take-off: An anatomical imaging definition of the rectum validated on specimen analysis. Eur J Surg Oncol (2020). DʼSouza N, et al. Definition of the Rectum. An International,...