Clinical Atlas

Abstract

The key component in the accurate radiological staging of rectal cancer is experience. Although individual experience cannot be entirely replaced by reading, it is the aim of this chapter to familiarize the reader with the most important features of local disease, typical patterns of metastatic spread, negative prognostic factors that can be revealed by MR images, appearance of the postsurgical anatomy and an array of possible differential diagnoses. To convey the idea of experience, not only are single images being presented for each aspect, but a total of 133 cases have been selected, reviewed, and adapted for this clinical atlas. Often the cases encompass MR images from different time points as well as multislice computed tomography (MSCT) or positron emission tomography (PET) images or histopathological microphotographs to illustrate the course of the disease. Furthermore, ink drawings by the author are provided in individual cases to clarify certain aspects in the sometimes complex MR images. The numerous images are accompanied by detailed legends with additional information on patient history, treatment, clinical and pathologic TNM staging, and follow-up or outcome.