Multidetector-row Computed Tomography Findings Research Articles

Assessing the Diagnostic Role of Multidetector Computed Tomography in Bronchogenic Carcinoma: Histopathological Correlation and Clinical Insights

Background: Lung cancer is a global health issue, and Multi Detector Row Computed Tomography (MDCT) plays a crucial role in diagnosing and staging bronchogenic carcinoma. Purpose: To document bronchogenic carcinoma’s MDCT features and assess CT scan accuracy compared to histopathological diagnosis. Materials and Methods: Between June 2020 and November 2021, 70 patients with suspected bronchogenic carcinoma underwent clinical assessment and 128-slice MDCT scans from lung apices to upper abdomen, including adrenal glands. MDCT findings were compared to histopathological examination. Statistical analysis using SPSS 16 and Excel determined CT’s positive predictive value against histopathological diagnosis as the reference standard. Results: Out of the 70 patients, 41% were female, and 59% were male. Among those with suspected bronchogenic carcinoma in CT, 86% were confirmed as malignant through histological analysis. The mean age of patients with bronchogenic carcinoma was 61.5 years. Squamous cell carcinoma (43%) was the most common histological subtype, followed by adenocarcinoma (38%). There was a notable male predominance (68%) for bronchogenic carcinoma, with distinct patterns observed for different histological subtypes. MDCT exhibited an 86% positive predictive value in diagnosing bronchogenic carcinoma compared to histopathology. Conclusion: Squamous cell carcinoma emerged as the most prevalent subtype of bronchogenic carcinoma, with MDCT demonstrating high diagnostic accuracy. The study advocates for routine MDCT utilization in the diagnosis and staging of bronchogenic carcinoma. Consider limitations like absent interobserver variation and challenges in distinguishing reactive hyperplasia from metastatic lymphadenopathy. Future research could explore potential implications and applications of the study’s findings.

Transomental hernias: Multi-detector row computed tomography findings in 15 clinical cases

Introduction: Transomental hernia (TOH), a type of intra-abdominal hernia formed as a result of incarceration through abdominal greater omental hiatus, is a rare disease that lacks specific physical features, which makes its preoperative diagnosis difficult. This study aims the clinical characteristics and radiological findings of 15 cases of TOH. Methods: From 2009 to 2021, we encountered 15 cases of TOH in which multi-detector row computed tomography (MD-CT) with multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) was helpful for the preoperative diagnosis. We performed a clinical study of patients with TOH. Results: The average age of the 15 patients (male, n=9; female, n=6) was 73 years (range, 58-91 years). The preoperative diagnosis, based on MD-CT, was TOH in 11 patients and internal hernia in 4 patients. The preoperative diagnosis of TOH was confirmed in 11 of 15 patients (73%). MD-CT showed dilatation of the small intestine on the ventral side of the ascending colon and the descending colon through the omental hiatus, closed loop, and the convergence of the mesentery or small intestine. Conclusion: The possibility of TOH should be considered when treating patients with obstruction who have no history of laparotomy. MD-CT with MPR is useful for the preoperative diagnosis of TOH.

Multi-phase MULTIDETECTOR-row computed tomographic features and laboratory findings in dogs with gallbladder rupture

Gallbladder rupture is a life-treating condition in dogs. In human medicine, multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) is considered the best modality for the diagnosis of gallbladder rupture.The aims of the study were to describe MDCT features of gallbladder rupture in dogs and to determine the CT findings and laboratory data that differ between dogs with ruptured biliary tree and dogs with biliary disease with no rupture.For this single-center, cross-sectional study were considered for inclusion dogs presented from May 2010 to September 2020, with surgical diagnosis of gallbladder rupture or integrity, who underwent MDCT examination and with CBC and biochemistry results available for review.Forty-seven dogs with different diseases of the biliary tract were included. Seventeen dogs with confirmed gallbladder rupture and 30 dogs with intact gallbladder were included. Multiple MDCT findings showed statistical significance in distinguish dogs with gallbladder rupture: irregular contours of the gallbladder (p < 0.0001), discontinuation of the gallbladder wall (p = 0.0005), adhesions with adjacent organs (p = 0.005), heterogeneous enhancement of the gallbladder wall (p = 0.01), pericholecystic effusion (p = 0.001) and pericholecystic peritonitis (p = 0.001). The presence of three or more of these findings was highly indicative for gallbladder rupture (AUC = 0.921).In this study, MDCT proved to be useful in differentiating dogs with gallbladder rupture from dogs with biliary disease without rupture.

Multidetector-Row CT Findings in Dogs with Different Primary Parathyroid Gland Diseases.

Primary hyperparathyroidism in dogs is a possibly life-threatening condition, characterized by the excess of parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion, which leads to an increase in serum ionized calcium level. The utility of computed tomography (CT) in the detection and characterization of parathyroid diseases in dogs has not been assessed to date. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the use of multidetector-row CT (MDCT) for the diagnosis of parathyroid disease in dogs. For this descriptive, single-center study, the database of the San Marco Veterinary Clinic was searched for dogs having a suspicion of parathyroid disease who underwent contrast-enhanced MDCT in the period from 2005 to 2021. Dogs with histopathology of the affected parathyroid gland were subsequently considered for inclusion. A total of 22 parathyroid glands were included: 12 adenomas, 8 adenocarcinomas, and two glands with hyperplasia. Several CT features were evaluated, including parathyroid gland affected, lateralization, shape, size, attenuation, and contrast-enhancement. Although the overlap between the appearance of different diseases exists, contrast-enhanced CT was a useful method for the diagnosis of parathyroid disease in dogs.

Panorama of multidetector-row computed tomography findings of carcinoma gall bladder - A retrospective observational study.

Carcinoma of the gall bladder (Ca GB) has marked ethnic and geographical variations with a broad spectrum of imaging findings on multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT). We aim to study the spectrum of the imaging findings of Ca GB on MDCT in an Eastern Indian hospital as these imaging findings help in accurate diagnosis and staging of this lethal disease. The MDCT images of 100 biopsy-proven cases of adenocarcinoma of GB performed from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2018, in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed by two experienced radiologists blinded to the diagnosis. The CT protocol was a plain scan followed by triple-phase contrast-enhanced CT. Reconstructed images in the form of maximum intensity projection, volume-rendered technology, and minimum intensity projection images were also assessed. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Ca GB showed a female predominance (female:male -1.9:1). The mean age of presentation was 54.7 years (females) and 58 years (males). The morphological patterns were a mass replacing the GB (46%), focal or diffuse wall thickening (26%), and an intraluminal polypoidal mass (28%). Direct extension was to liver (76%), duodenum (32%), colon (19%), pancreas (9%), and abdominal wall (1%). Biliary dilatation (53%), vascular invasion (14%), omental involvement (23%), ascites (22%), N1 (40%), and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy (33%) were common. Distant metastasis comprised of hepatic (42%), pulmonary (7%), Krukenberg's tumor (6%), and osseous (1%) lesions. The stages at diagnosis were I or II (3%), IIIA (4%), IIIB (16%), IVA (10%), and IVB (67%). Ca GB has a broad spectrum of findings on MDCT and it mostly presents at an advanced stage. MDCT with reconstructions is beneficial in the assessment of locoregional and distant spread and cancer staging which has a direct implication on patient management, survival, and mortality.

Transmesenteric Internal Abdominal Hernia: Multi-detector row computed tomography findings.

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Errors in MDCT diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia.

The causes of diagnostic errors during daily medical practice can be several, mainly attributable to perceptual, interpretive and communication factors. The eventuality of radiological error is much more amplified in the emergency setting where a high number of complex multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) images must be evaluated quickly and critical time decisions need to be taken. In particular, in this context, the diagnosis of vascular intestinal diseases represents a crucial and difficult challenge in case of acute abdominal pain given the importance of being able to identify patient with high suspicious for intestinal ischemia and for a specific patient to judge if his ischemia is reversible or irreversible. Awareness of potential biases which can lead to diagnostic errors together with an extensive knowledge of the imaging features of these pathologies can lead to promptly recognize them with fewer mistakes, improving patients' outcome. This article reviews the MDCT findings of acute intestinal ischemia and acute colonic ischemia and analyzes the main types of diagnostic errors, underlining the importance of being familiarized with them to avoid misdiagnosis.

Optimal diagnostic method using multidetector-row computed tomography for predicting lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer

BackgroundPrediction of nodal involvement in colorectal cancer is an important aspect of preoperative workup to determine the necessity of preoperative treatment and the adequate extent of lymphadenectomy during surgery. This study aimed to investigate newer multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) findings for better predicting lymph node (LN) metastasis in colorectal cancer.MethodsSeventy patients were enrolled in this study; all underwent MDCT prior to surgery and upfront curative resection for colorectal cancer. LNs with a short-axis diameter (SAD) ≥ 4 mm were identified on MDCT images, and the following measures were recorded by two radiologists independently: two-dimensional (2D) SAD, 2D long-axis diameter (LAD), 2D ratio of SAD to LAD, 2D CT attenuation value, three-dimensional (3D) SAD, 3D LAD, 3D SAD to LAD ratio, 3D CT attenuation value, LN volume, and presence of extranodal neoplastic spread (ENS), as defined by indistinct nodal margin, irregular capsular enhancement, or infiltration into adjacent structures.ResultsForty-six patients presented 173 LNs with a SAD ≥ 4 mm, while 24 patients exhibited pathologically confirmed LN metastases. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that 2D LAD was the most sensitive measure for LN metastases with an area under the curve of 0.752 (cut-off value, 7.05 mm). When combined with CT findings indicating ENS, 2D LAD (> or ≤ 7 mm) showed enhanced predictive power for LN metastases (area under the curve, 0.846; p < 0.001).ConclusionsLAD in axial MDCT imaging is the most sensitive measure for predicting colorectal LN metastases, especially when MDCT findings of ENS are observed.

Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) findings of adnexal torsion: An analysis of 116patients.

The purpose of this study was to identify differences in multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) findings of adnexal torsion (AT) according to the anatomical subtypes and identify MDCT findings that may predict conservative treatment. A total of 295consecutive women with pelvic pain who underwent preoperative MDCT and subsequent surgery less than 24h after admission were included in this retrospective study. Among them, 116women (mean age: 33.9years; range: 3-80years) with histopathologically confirmed AT after surgery were included in the final analysis. On histopathological examination, an underlying ovarian mass was found in 98women (98/116, 84.5%). In the group without ovarian mass (n=18), massive edema (12/18, 66.7% vs. 16/98, 16.3%; P<0.001) was frequently found. However, in the group with ovarian mass (n=98), twisted tube or pedicle (5/18, 27.8% vs. 55/98, 56.1%; P=0.027) and concentric or eccentric wall thickening (5/18, 27.8% vs. 82/98, 83.7%; P<0.001) demonstrated a statistically significant higher incidence. Based on the surgical and pathological results, the 116women were classified into three subtypes including ovary-tubal (89/116, 77%), ovary only (22/116, 19%) and tubal only subtype (5/116, 4%). In the ovary-tubal subtype, tubal thickening (88/89, 98.9% vs. 11/22, 50.0%; P<0.001), twisted tube or pedicle (57/89, 64.0% vs. 3/22, 13.6%; P<0.001) and remaining tubal enhancement (52/89, 58.4% vs. 7/22, 31.8%; P=0.025) were more frequently observed than in the ovary only subtype. There was no significant difference between the relative frequency of imaging findings in the cystectomy group and adnexectomy group of the ovary-tubal type. Knowledge of common and characteristic MDCT findings of AT according to the anatomical subtypes is important to make accurate diagnosis and avoid delayed treatment.

Comparison of Ischemic and Nonischemic Bowel Segments in Patients With Mesenteric Ischemia: Multidetector Row Computed Tomography Findings and Measurement of Bowel Wall Attenuation Changes

ObjectiveTo describe multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) findings and to compare the enhancing ratio of ischemic and nonischemic bowel wall segments in patients with mesenteric ischemia. Patients and MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of 69 patients with pathologically proven mesenteric ischemia who underwent a preoperative MDCT evaluation from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2014. Two reviewers performed quantitative MDCT measurements of the bowel wall attenuation of the ischemic and nonischemic bowel segments on the unenhanced phase, arterial phase, and portal venous phase. Receiver operating characteristic curves for the enhancing ratios on the arterial phase and portal venous phase (ERv) were calculated to discriminate the 2 segments. A concordance correlation coefficient was used to assess interobserver variability. ResultsThe most common origin of ischemia was the mesenteric artery (45 of the 69 patients [65.2%]), but only 5 patients (7.2%) had evidence of arterial thrombus on MDCT. The quantitative MDCT measurements indicated that the ischemic bowel segments had significantly less bowel wall attenuation than the nonischemic bowel segments on the arterial phase (28.58±9.28 vs 58.97±12.50; P<.001) and the portal venous phase (33.93±11.16 vs 76.25±13.56; P<.001). The enhancing ratio on the arterial phase (cutoff, 0.32 or less; sensitivity, 89.9%; specificity, 98.6%) and the ERv (cutoff, 0.81 or less; sensitivity, 95.7%; specificity, 98.6%) predicted bowel ischemia. The most common MDCT findings in ischemic bowel were thickened bowel wall in 59 patients (85.5%), mesenteric fatty stranding in 57 (82.6%), and decreased bowel wall enhancement in 56 (81.2%). All quantitative measurements reached moderate to substantial agreement (0.399-0.601). ConclusionWithout oral contrast administration and at a constant 120-peak kilovolt setting, MDCT findings of decreased enhancement of the thickened bowel wall together with a low ERv value predicted the presence of an ischemic bowel segment.

Comparison of the multidetector-row computed tomography findings of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

To compare the multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) findings of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EH-CCA). Two radiologists who had no knowledge of the patients' clinical information retrospectively evaluated the CT findings of patients with IgG4-SC (n=33) and EH-CCA (n=39) on a consensus basis. Another radiologist measured the biliary lesions. IgG4-SC was diagnosed using the Japan Biliary Association criteria (2012) or the Mayo Clinic's HISORt criteria. EH-CCA was diagnosed based on surgical findings. Compared with EH-CCA, IgG4-SC exhibited the following findings significantly more frequently: (a) wall thickening alone, (b) concentric wall thickening, (c) smooth inner margins, (d) homogeneous attenuation in the arterial phase, (e) a lesion involving the intrapancreatic bile duct, (f) smooth outer margins, (g) fully visible lumen, (h) a funnel-shaped proximal bile duct, (i) skip lesions, and (j) abnormal pancreatic findings. Conversely, (k) dual-layered attenuation in all phases was significantly more common in EH-CCA. The specificity values of parameters (e-k) were >80%. Regarding dimensions, (l) the biliary lesions were longer in IgG4-SC than in EH-CCA. (m) The diameters of the dilated proximal common bile duct and (n) the dilated proximal intrahepatic bile duct were smaller in IgG4-SC than in EH-CCA. A number of CT findings are useful for differentiating between IgG4-SC and EH-CCA. CT findings (e-k) are particularly useful for this purpose.

Editorial to: Baseline MDCT findings after prosthetic heart valve implantation provide important complementary information to echocardiography for follow-up purposes by Suchá et al

Over the last years a growing number of prosthetic heart valve (PHV) implantation procedures have been performed in sequence with the aging of the population and improving surgical techniques. Currently, echocardiography is the most important tool in the follow-up and evaluation of complications associated with the PHV (pannus, thrombus, endocarditis). However, echocardiographic examination of PHV associated disease may be hampered by poor acoustic window or scatter artefacts caused by the PHV. PHV related disease such as endocarditis is related with a poor prognosis, especially when complications such as periannular abcess formation occurs. Early treatment of PHV associated disease improves prognosis. Therefore, an unmet clinical need for early detection of complications exists. In the evaluation of PHV (dys)function, multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) has shown to be of additive value. A necessity for MDCT to be implemented in daily practice is to be able to distinguish between normal and pathological features. Key Points • Early detection of PHV related complications improves prognosis • MDCT has additive value to echocardiography in the evaluation of PHV • RCTs for MDCT evaluation of PHV are required for clinical implementation.

Contrast-enhanced multidetector-row computed tomography can predict pathological findings of acute appendicitis in children.

To retrospectively evaluate the correlation between multidetector-row computed tomography findings of acute appendicitis and the pathological status of acute appendicitis, and evaluate the capability of multidetector-row computed tomography to predict the pathological status of acute appendicitis in children. The presence of a distended appendix (>6 mm in transverse diameter) was used as a primary sign to indicate the presence of appendiceal inflammation. The presence of appendiceal wall thickening (>1 mm) and enhanced appendiceal wall continuity were also used as predictive findings to reflect the degree of progression of acute appendicitis on multidetector-row computed tomography findings. The findings of each individual case were classified into four grades. The final pathological diagnosis was classified into four groups: normal findings, only mucosal inflammation, inflammation with intramural spreading, and gangrenous. The relationship between the pathological grades and computed tomography grades was analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation test. Four of six cases in Grade 0 reflected normal appendiceal findings (66.7%) and 3 of 5 cases in Grade I reflected only mucosal inflammation status (60.0%). Forty-four of 51 cases in Grade II reflected intramural inflammation status (86.3%), and 40 of 57 cases in Grade III reflected gangrenous status (70.2%). The multidetector-row computed tomography grade was significantly correlated to the pathological grade with Spearman's rank correlation coefficient of 0.689 (P < 0.001). There was a close relationship between the multidetector-row computed tomography imaging findings and the pathological findings. This preoperative information is extremely useful for decision-making in the treatment strategy for acute appendicitis in children.

MDCT of acute colitis in adults: an update in current imaging features.

Acute colitis is often diagnosed on multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) because patients with this condition present with abdominal pain and a variety of nonspecific symptoms. Acute colitis has multiple causes with varying degrees of severity. Analysis of the extent of colonic involvement, presence of specific MDCT imaging features and associated signs should help radiologist narrow the diagnosis. Integrating the results of clinical examination and biological tests is mandatory, and in case of ambiguous or nonspecific MDCT findings, endoscopy and colon biopsy should always be considered for a definite diagnosis. The purpose of this review is to discuss and illustrate MDCT features that are helpful for characterizing acute colitis in adults and to provide an update in current MDCT features.

Pre-operative staging of rectal cancer using multi-detector row computed tomography with multiplanar reformations: single center experience.

Technical advancement in imaging has helped to stage and plan treatment modality for carcinoma rectum with still some objectives controversial. The aim of our study was to evaluate the accuracy of multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) with multiplanar reformations in the pre-operative staging of rectal carcinoma and correlation with intraoperative and histopathologic staging of retrieved specimen with respect to the depth of tumor invasion (T-staging), lymph node metastasis (N-staging) and mesorectal fascia (MRF) involvement. The study was a prospective one and consisted of 52 patients with biopsy proved rectal carcinoma. MDCT studies were performed on a 64-slice computed tomography system. Images were reconstructed in axial, coronal and sagittal planes. MDCT findings were compared with intraoperative and pathologic (reference standard) findings. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were assessed. The diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for T1/T2, T3 and T4 lesions was 77%, 86.5% and 100%, respectively. For perirectal lymph node metastasis (N+), the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT was 84.1%. The diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for MRF involvement was 91%. MDCT is a reliable radiological tool for local staging of rectal cancer with excellent accuracy rates for T and N-staging of rectal cancer.

Sciatic hernia: is it really rare?

It is generally believed that sciatic hernia is extremely rare; however, asymptomatic sciatic hernia is occasionally found in patients with an obturator hernia. We investigated the frequency, risk factors, and prognosis of asymptomatic sciatic hernia, which have never been discussed in a published report. We retrospectively reviewed multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) images of 38 consecutive cases of new-onset obturator hernia. The co-existence of sciatic hernia was diagnosed from the MDCT findings of some of these patients. The clinical characteristics and clinical courses were compared between the sciatic hernia group and the non-sciatic hernia group. Nine patients (24 %) had concomitant asymptomatic sciatic hernias, five (13 %) of which were bilateral.The body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in the patients with a concomitant sciatic hernia (17.2 ± 2.4 kg/m(2)) than in those without a sciatic hernia (19.6 ± 2.6 kg/m(2); P = 0.02). All patients received treatment for incarcerated obturator hernias, but none underwent repair of the concomitant sciatic hernia because all were non-incarcerated and asymptomatic. None of the patients has had trouble with their untreated sciatic hernia after the obturator hernia treatment. Up to 24 % of these obturator hernia patients had a concomitant sciatic hernia. A low BMI was a risk factor for concomitant sciatic hernia. Immediate surgical repair of the sciatic hernia may not be needed, unless it is symptomatic.

Evaluation of lymph node metastasis in patients with gastric cancer: a comparison of the directionality of lymph node metastasis and the total number of metastatic lymph nodes

The clinical impact of the directionality of lymph node (LN) metastasis was assessed in comparison with the staging by the Japanese Classification of Gastric Carcinoma (JCGC), a numerical LN staging system. Two hundred forty-one gastric cancer patients who were diagnosed pathologically to have LN metastasis, and 54 patients who underwent preoperative multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) with an image thickness of 1 mm were classified into three groups (unidirectional [Uni-], bidirectional [Bi-], and tridirectional [Tri-] groups) depending on the directionality of their LN metastasis. The prognosis of the Uni-group was better than that of the Bi- or the Tri-group when assessed on the basis of the pathological findings of metastatic LN and also the preoperative MDCT findings. The exact preoperative evaluation was 70.2 % for the directionality system and 61.7 % for the JCGC system, respectively. The stages were less frequently underestimated by the directionality system than the JCGC system (P < 0.02, 19.1 vs. 34.0 %), and the staging could be more precisely performed by both systems in combination. More precise preoperative evaluation of disease stage could be obtained by the directionality system and the JCGC system in combination.

Effectiveness of multi-detector row computed tomography in detection of the presence and extent of ductal carcinoma in situ

As ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) lesions can spread widely in the ductal-lobular segment, often without palpable tumor, complete resection of the lesion in breast-conserving surgery requires establishment of the precise location and extent of the lesion during preoperative imaging studies. We investigated the potential of multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) in detecting and delineating DCIS lesions. Overall, 74 patients with 75 DCIS lesions underwent breast MDCT. The size of the DCIS lesion in each patient was measured in the volume rendering images and compared to the size obtained by pathological mapping. The differences between the actual tumor size and that obtained from MDCT (L-Path and L-CT) were calculated, and the relationships between these differences and tumor characteristics were investigated. DCIS was detected fully or partially in 64 (84.9 %) of 75 lesions, whereas the detection rate of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was 90 %. The detection rate was not influenced by comedo/non-comedo status, but the detection rate of higher nuclear grade DCIS lesions tended to be higher than that of low grade lesions (p = 0.089), while the estimated size was also more accurate in the former (p = 0.046). Hormone receptor and Her2 status did not affect MDCT findings. MDCT is highly effective for detecting DCIS, especially the more aggressive types of DCIS. Moreover, the patient's position during MDCT imaging is more similar to that during surgery than that during MRI, making MDCT a highly useful presurgical imaging technique for the assessment of DCIS.

Multi-detector Row Computed Tomography (MDCT) versus Endorectal Coil Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ECMRI) in Staging of Carcinoma Rectum

BACKGROUND: Rectal cancer is one of the most common tumors in industrialized countries and one of the most common malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.&#x0D; OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT and ECMRI in preoperative staging of rectal cancers and correlation with intraoperative and histo-pathologic staging of resected specimen with respect to depth of tumor invasion (T-staging), lymph node metastasis (N- staging), and extra rectal spread (M-staging).&#x0D; METHODS: The study was a prospective one and consisted of 68 patients with biopsy proved rectal carcinoma. Patients were randomly selected for either of these two staging modalities (i.e., MDCT or ECMRI) using a random number table. MDCT and ECMRI findings were compared with intraoperative and histopathologic (reference standard) findings. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of each diagnostic modality were assessed.&#x0D; RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracies of MDCT and ECMRI for T1/T2 lesions were 75% and 87.5%, respectively, the difference being significant. For T3 lesions, the diagnostic accuracies of MDCT and ECMRI were 85.2% and 100%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of both for T4 lesions was found to be 100%. Both ECMRI and MDCT were found to be almost equally accurate and specific in detecting perirectal lymph node involvement.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Endorectal coil MRI is superior to MDCT in local (T) staging of tumor and has overall more diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity than MDCT. ECMRI has a less tendency to under-stage the disease. However, both ECMRI and MDCT are almost equally accurate and specific in detecting perirectal lymph node involvement. JMS 2012;15(1):32-38.

Interatrial Septal Aneurysm and Patent Foramen Ovale

We describe an elderly woman with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who was evaluated by electrocardiogram-gated multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) prior to left atrial radiofrequency ablation therapy to rule out coronary artery disease and to obtain a 3-dimensional anatomical map of the left atrium and pulmonary veins. MDCT documented the dynamic bidirectional motion of an interatrial septal aneurysm associated with a patent foramen ovale. MDCT findings correlated well with transesophageal and intracardiac echocardiograms.