Virtual endoscopic colonography based on 3D MRI

Abdom Imaging. 1998 Nov-Dec;23(6):568-72. doi: 10.1007/s002619900405.

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the potential of magnetic resonance colonography (MRC) in detecting colorectal mass lesions.

Methods: Twenty patients underwent MR imaging (MRI) before colonoscopy. The colon was filled with a gadolinium (0.5 mol):water mixture (1:100) under MRI control, and patients were imaged while breath-holding imaged with a three-dimensional spoiled gradient echo sequence in the prone and supine positions. Images were interactively analyzed based on the combination of multiplanar reconstruction and virtual colonoscopy by a radiologist blinded to colonoscopic findings and the patient's history. MRC interpretations were correlated with colonoscopic results.

Results: Polyps smaller than 5 mm could not be identified with MRC. The sensitivity for detecting polyps of 5-10 mm was 70%, whereas mass lesions larger than 10 mm were all detected (sensitivity = 100). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for identifying polyp-positive patients including the three patients with small (<5 mm) polyps were 64%, 89%, and 75%, respectively.

Conclusion: Virtual colonoscopy based on MRI data is feasible and should be evaluated in a larger sample of patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Colon / pathology*
  • Colonic Polyps / diagnosis*
  • Colonoscopy
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Gadolinium DTPA
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Intestinal Polyps / diagnosis
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rectal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium DTPA