MRI Versus MDCT for Staging of Gastric Tumors Preoperatively

Abstract

DCT and MRI are powerful tests for non-invasive evaluation of gastric cancer. They not only detect primary tumors but also provide comprehensive staging, with accurate assessment of the neoplastic mass, regional and distant lymphadenopathy, and distant metastasis. Accurate preoperative staging of gastric cancer is important for treatment planning and prognosis prediction. Due to the development of less invasive treatment options, gastric cancer should be preoperatively staged with accuracy. The technical progress of MDCT and the continuous development of 3D imaging processes have improved MDCT performance in the preoperative staging of gastric cancer. The EGC detection rates can be improved through the use of virtual gastroscopy and CT gastrography. MPR images of MDCT can provide coronal or sagittal images and increase the accuracy of the tumor depth diagnosis. With the development of high speed techniques, MRI evaluation of gastric cancer is now feasible, and some studies have reported results that are comparable to or better than MDCT. In conclusion, MRI and CT play important roles in the staging of gastric cancers. There is no statistically significant difference between the two modality. However, the diagnostic accuracy of MRI with DWI is higher than MDCT especially in the nodal assessment.