Endorectal ultrasonography (ERUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allow exploring the morphology of the rectum in detail. Use of such data, especially assessment of the rectal wall, is an important tool for ascertaining the perianal fistula localization as well as stage of the cancer and planning it appropriate treatment, as stage T3 tumors are usually treated with neoadjuvant therapy, whereas T2 tumors are initially managed surgically. The only advantage of ERUS over MRI is the possibility of assessing T1 tumors that could be treated by transanal endoscopic microsurgery. However, MRI is better for visualizing most radiological prognostic features in rectal or anal cancer such as a circumferential resection margin less than 1 mm, T stage at T1-T2 or T3 tumors with extramural extension less than 5 mm, absence of extramural vascular invasion, N stage at N0/N1, and tumors located in the middle or upper third of the rectum. It can also evaluate the intersphincteric space or levator ani muscle involvement. Increased signal on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and low apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values as well as an irregular contour and heterogeneous internal signal intensity seem to predict the involvement of pelvic lymphatic nodes better than their size alone. Computed tomography as well as other examination techniques, including digital rectal examination, contrast edema, recto- and colonoscopy, are less useful in staging of rectal cancer but still are very important screening tools.

The spinal perineurial cyst (Tarlov) is a dilatation between the perineurium and endoneurium of spinal nerve roots, located at level of the spinal ganglion and filled with cerebrospinal fluid but without communication with the perineurial subarachnoid space. The aim of the study was to evaluate it incidence among East-European patients. The retrospective data collected during various magnetic resonance spinal examinations and stored on the picture archiving and communication system was analyzed for an incidence of perineurial cysts. From among 842 patients that underwent examination, 75 cases perineurial cysts were revealed. In 22 cases single anomalies were found. In remaining 53 cases, multiple uni- or less frequently bilateral changes were noted. The most common position was the sacral canal, particularly the level of S2 and S3. Occasionally, cysts were also visible on the cervical, thoracic and lumbar level. Incidence of sacral perineurial cysts was significantly higher in females than in males. Similar data was found for single and multiple changes despite of their localization. Insignificant changes were seen for patient age and cyst size. Perineurial spinal cysts were the most frequently observed on the sacral level and such changes were more common in females.

Solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm is a rare pancreatic tumor typically observed in young adults. A new case of the tumor was diagnosed in a 22-year-old woman. An abnormal mass connected with the pancreatic body was found on ultrasound and computed tomography. Magnetic resonance revealed weak homogeneous contrast enhancement and a low ADC value (0.824 mm/s 2 ; b1000). Primary radiological diagnosis suggested a solid pancreatic neoplasm, which was confirmed during histopathological assessment after resection of the pancreatic body with preservation of the spleen and normal drainage through the main pancreatic duct. Histological appearance of the solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm corresponded with its radiological morphology.

Magnetic resonance (MR) is the optimal, non-invasive method that allows for precise determination of the degree of cervical cancer progression. It also facilitates the evaluation of tumor volume and structure as well as infiltration of adjacent tissue/organs and enlargement of lymph nodes. Proper qualification and appropriate preparation of patients for the examination is a necessary condition for securing patient's safety and obtaining good quality images. Presently, MR of the lesser pelvis should be performed for most women before any treatment will be initiated. However, an absolute contraindication for the examination is the presence of a pacemaker, cochlear implant, metallic foreign object in the eye ball, metallic surgical clips and lack of verbal contact with the patient, especially deafness. Relative contraindications are pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, claustrophobia, metal foreign objects in soft tissues, metal orthopedic implants, prosthetic heart valve, dental implants, monitoring devices, dosing devices (e.g. insulin pump), permanent make-up or tattoo.

The accessory spleen is a common congenital anomaly, typically asymptomatic and harmless to the patient. However (Folia Morphol 2015; 74, 4: 532-539)