Endorectal coil magnetic resonance imaging

Endorectal coil magnetic resonance imaging or endorectal coil MRI is a type of medical imaging in which MRI is used in conjunction with a coil placed into the rectum in order to obtain high quality images of the area surrounding the rectum.^[1] The technique has demonstrated higher accuracy than other modalities in assessing seminal vesicle invasion and extra-capsular extension (ECE) of prostate cancer (96% and 81% respectively). Endorectal coil MRI is useful for determining the extent of spread and local invasion of cancers of the prostate, rectum, and anus.^[2] The coil consists of a probe with an inflatable balloon which helps maintain appropriate positioning. Similar coils may be used vaginally for evaluating cervical cancer.

Additional recommended knowledge

References

^ Hricak H, White S, Vigneron D, Kurhanewicz J, Kosco A, Levin D, Weiss J, Narayan P, Carroll PR. (1994). "Carcinoma of the prostate gland: MR imaging with pelvic phased-array coils versus integrated endorectal-pelvic phased-array coils.". Radiology 193 (3): 703-709. PMID 7972810.
^ Casciani E, Polettini E, Bertini L, Emiliozzi P, Amini M, Pansadoro V, Gualdi GF (2004). "Prostate cancer: evaluation with endorectal MR imaging and three-dimensional proton MR spectroscopic imaging". Radiol Med (Torino) 108 (5-6): 530-541. PMID 15722999.