ObjectiveTo explore the application value of preoperative multi-spiral computed tomography(MSCT) imaging features in the evaluation of lymph node metastasis of rectal cancer.

MethodsThe imaging and clinicopathological data of 41 patients with rectal cancer confirmed by surgical pathology were analyzed retrospectively.All patients underwent MSCT scan before surgery.According to lymph node metastasis, they were divided into lymph node metastasis group(LNM+, 14 cases) and non-lymph node metastasis group(LNM-, 27 cases).The differences of clinical and CT features between the two groups were analyzed.

ResultsA total of 394 lymph nodes were detected in 41 patients with rectal cancer, including 362 benign lymph nodes and 32 malignant lymph nodes.The range of tumor invasion, CT enhancement differences and short diameter of lymph nodes were statistically significant between the two groups(P < 0.05).Multivariate regression analysis showed that CT enhancement differences(OR=1.123) and short diameter of lymph nodes(OR=16.637) were independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis of rectal cancer.The AUC of CT enhancement differences, lymph node short diameter and combination parameters were 0.665, 0.762 and 0.868, respectively.

ConclusionsPreoperative MSCT features, including short diameter of lymph node and CT enhancement differences, are independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis of rectal cancer.Combination the two CT imaging features will further improve the efficacy of preoperative prediction of lymph node metastasis of rectal cancer.