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The mesorectum: morphometric assessment with magnetic resonance imaging
Michael R Torkzad1, Lennart Blomqvist
1Central Radiology Department (ADR), Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. mictor@ki.se
European Radiology
|May 21, 2005
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can assess perirectal fat volume. Simple measurements of anteroposterior and left-to-right dimensions correlate with total volume and vary between sexes.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Anatomy
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Perirectal fatty tissues and mesorectum anatomy are crucial in pelvic imaging.
- Accurate volumetric assessment aids in understanding pelvic anatomy and potential pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess perirectal fatty tissue size and configuration using MRI.
- To establish a simple method for analyzing mesorectal volume and dimensions.
- To investigate sex-based differences in perirectal fat distribution.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of high-resolution pelvic MR imaging in 25 patients without large pelvic tumors.
- Measurement of axial area and total volume of the mesorectum using a 3D T1-weighted gradient-echo sequence.
- Correlation of anteroposterior and left-to-right diameters with total mesorectal volume.
Main Results:
- Mesorectum occupied an axial area of 320–5992 mm² and a total volume of 54–323 ml.
- Good correlation found between specific diameters and total mesorectal volume.
- Significant differences in mesorectal tissue configuration between males and females were observed.
- Posterior rectal fat was greater in males than females.
Conclusions:
- MRI enables assessment of mesorectal morphology and volume.
- A simple formula based on anteroposterior and left-to-right dimensions can estimate mesorectal volume.
- Significant sex-based variations in perirectal fat distribution exist, requiring different measurement approaches for males and females.