Introduction:
Among the screening tests for colorectal cancer, colonoscopy is currently
considered the most sensitive and specific technique. However, computed
tomography colonography (CTC), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and
transrectal ultrasonography have gained significant ground in the clinical
practice of pre-treatment, screening and, more recently, post-treatment and
surgical evaluation.
Objective:
To demonstrate the high accuracy of CT and MRI for pre and postoperative
colorectal cancer staging.
Methods:
Search and analysis of articles in Pubmed, Scielo, Capes Periodicals and
American College of Radiology with headings “colorectal cancer” and
“colonography”. Weew selected 30 articles that contained radiological
descriptions, management or statistical data related to this type of
neoplasia. The criteria for radiological diagnosis were the American College
of Radiology.
Results
:
The great majority of patients with this subgroup of neoplasia is submitted
to surgical procedures with the objective of cure or relief, except those
with clinical contraindication. CTC colonography is not the most commonly
used technique for screening; however, it is widely used for treatment
planning, assessment of the abdomen for local complications or presence of
metastasis, and post-surgical evaluation. MRI colonography is an alternative
diagnostic method to CT, recommended by the American Society of
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Although there are still no major studies on the
use of MRI for screening, the high resolution examination has now shown good
results for the American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM classification.
Conclusion:
MRI and CT represent the best means for colorectal neoplasm staging. The use
of these methods as screening tools becomes beneficial to decrease
complications and discomfort related to colonoscopy.