Simone Gusmini MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Michaela Cellina, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Roberto Nicoletti MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Andrea Marco Tamburini, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Carlo Staudacher MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Alessandro Del Maschio MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

to evaluate the contribution of VC in staging RC local invasion.

from September 2007 to April 2008, patients affected by RC underwent VC and pelvic contrast enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging(CEMRI) staging examinations. VC was performed on a 64-row-CT scanner after colon cathartic cleansing and colon gas distension and completed with contrast enhanced whole body CT(CEVC). 3D and 2D reconstructions were performed on a second dedicated console. Images were analysed by two radiologists, with experience in RC, CEMRI and CEVC and RC was staged using TNM criterias. Gold Standard of our study were CEMRI of the pelvis and pathologic staging when patient underwent surgical treatment.  

eleven patients were analysed and 6 underwent surgical treatment. VC local staging was: T2(n=2), T3(n=8) and T4(n=1). VC correctly defined local staging in 10/11 patients (91%) when compared with CEMRI, while 5/6 patients (83%) when compared to pathologic evaluation. In only one case CEVC over-staged the lesion as T3. VC correctly staged the N factor in all patients. It correctly defined 1 patient (N2 at CEVC and pathological examination) when compared with CEMRI (N1). VC demonstrate the presence of distant lymph nodes(n=1), liver(n=2) or lung(n=3) metastases in 5 patients. In one case CEVC demonstrated the presence of a synchronous lesion (transverse colon), not visible at CEMRI and modified the surgical treatment.  

from our preliminary results, CEVC seemed to be able to correctly stage RC, even considering local invasion. Further studies are needed to determine whether CEVC could represent a one-step diagnostic approach to stage RC.

Virtual Colonoscopy could get a one-step diagnostic approach to stage rectal cancer in future.

Gusmini, S, Cellina, M, Nicoletti, R, Tamburini, A, Staudacher, C, Del Maschio, A, Contribution of Virtual Colonoscopy (VC) in Rectal Cancer (RC): Preliminary Results in the Evaluation of Local Staging.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6020027.html