Endorectal coil magnetic resonance imaging

Endorectal coil magnetic resonance imaging or endorectal coil MRI is a type of medical imaging in which MRI is used in conjunction with a coil placed into the rectum in order to obtain high quality images of the area surrounding the rectum. [cite journal | author=Hricak H, White S, Vigneron D, Kurhanewicz J, Kosco A, Levin D, Weiss J, Narayan P, Carroll PR. | title=Carcinoma of the prostate gland: MR imaging with pelvic phased-array coils versus integrated endorectal-pelvic phased-array coils. | journal=Radiology | volume=193 | issue=3 | year=1994| pages=703–709 | pmid=7972810] The technique has demonstrated higher accuracy than other modalities in assessing seminal vesicle invasion and extra-capsular extension (ECE) of prostate cancer (96% and 81% respectively). Endorectal coil MRI is useful for determining the extent of spread and local invasion of cancers of the prostate, rectum, and anus. [cite journal | author=Casciani E, Polettini E, Bertini L, Emiliozzi P, Amini M, Pansadoro V, Gualdi GF | title=Prostate cancer: evaluation with endorectal MR imaging and three-dimensional proton MR spectroscopic imaging | journal=Radiol Med (Torino) | volume=108 | issue=5-6 | year=2004| pages=530–541 | pmid=15722999] The coil consists of a probe with an inflatable balloon which helps maintain appropriate positioning. Similar coils may be used vaginally for evaluating cervical cancer.

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