High-resolution MRI examination in rectal cancer: a study of the image quality with two different rectal fillings

Objective To investigate the effect of different methods of preparation on the quality of rectal MRI examination, and to evaluate the application value of the two different rectal fillings. Methods The high resolution MRI examination data of 73 patients with rectal carcinoma from November 2014 to June 2015 in First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were summarized.The rectal contrast agents were water and coupling gel filling in the two groups before examination, respectively.The comfort and satisfaction index of patients and the quality of high-resolution MRI imaging were compared between the two groups. Results All the patients finished the examination effectively.The comfort index of patients reached 86.3%(63/73)in total, and the quality of imaging deserved well was as much as 90.41%(66/73)overall.Significant differences were found in the comfort index(77.14% vs.94.14%, χ2=19.98, P<0.001)and quality of MRI imaging(82.86% vs.97.37%, χ2=29.91, P<0.001)of patients with water and coupling gel. Conclusion Appropriate use of coupling gel filling in rectum can improve the comfort and satisfaction index of patient and the quality of MRI imaging in high-resolution MRI imaging examination for rectal carcinoma patients. Key words: Rectal carcinoma; Magnetic resonance imaging; Bowel preparation; Coupling gel