Computed tomography in early detection of recurrent rectal carcinoma aftersurgery and radiotherapy - regular and pathological changes after surgery and radiotherapy of rectal carcinoma in a total of 956 CT-scans
Ca. Stuckle et al., Computed tomography in early detection of recurrent rectal carcinoma aftersurgery and radiotherapy - regular and pathological changes after surgery and radiotherapy of rectal carcinoma in a total of 956 CT-scans, RADIOLOGE, 41(6), 2001, pp. 491
Colorectal carcinoma is one of the most common cancer in Germany. We want t
o evaluate the most reliable CT features indicating local recurrence of rec
tal cancer as early as possible. 232 patients suffering from rectal cancer
being administered to our clinic from 1987-1998 were investigated. Criteria
for inclusion: patients after surgery and radiotherapy of rectal cancer wi
th a minimum follow up of two years and at least 3 CT examinations. All CT
examinations were analyzed standardized. The main target parameters for rel
apse were enlargement of a presacral mass, inhomogeneous appearance, asymme
tric outlines, enlarged lymph nodes and infiltration of the surrounding str
uctures. An unchanged appearance of the presacral space in more than three
CT examinations after,surgery correlated with freedom of recurrence.