Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Specialist Radiology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
2
Assistant Professor of Radiology, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, 5th Azar Hospital, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
3
Ph.D. in Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
10.22034/ncm.2022.337938.1041
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of death globally, representing 16% of all new cancer cases. Early detection of metastatic disease is crucial as it significantly influences treatment options. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely regarded as the gold standard for preoperative assessment in CRC.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate MRI findings in patients with rectosigmoid cancer in Gholestan Province, northern Iran, from 2019 to 2020.
Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study that was performed on 43 patients with rectal cancer in Gorgan. Patients with other cancers, metastatic cancer, and a history of surgery were excluded. Demographic data (age, gender, and ethnicity) was obtained from patients' electronic records, and patients' MRI information was obtained through the Picture Archival and Communication System (PACS) of Gorgan MRI centers.
Results: Among 43 patients with rectosigmoid cancer, 65.1% of them were male, and the mean age was 58.58±14.73 years. The average mass length was 48.44 mm, and the distance from the anal verge was 69.81 mm. The most common morphology of patients' rectosigmoid masses in imaging was related to semicircular (51.2%) and circumscription (32.6%). T1/T2, N2a, and M0, with the percentages of 41.9%, 39.5%, and 90.7%, respectively, had the highest frequency in patients. TNM staging was not significantly related to gender or ethnicity. Peritoneal reflection was also more common in Sistan and Turkmen ethnic groups.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that high-resolution MRI using an appropriate imaging protocol can provide accurate regional staging essential for optimal treatment.
Keywords