Objective
To investigate the correlation between quantitative computed tomography (CT) perfusion findings in patients with colorectal thickening discovered at various imaging studies and histopathological examination.
Patients and methods
CT protocol included a precontrast scan. A region of 2 cm (four cuts) was selected based on the precontrast series. A dynamic study of the selected area was performed after contrast injection. Statistical analysis of the data was done.
Results
The current study enrolled 43 patients with suspected colorectal cancer; out of them, 39 patients were confirmed to have colorectal cancer based on the pathological evaluation. Blood flow of the thickened colon had 92% sensitivity and 50% specificity for diagnosing the malignant lesions, whereas blood volume had 97.4% sensitivity and 75% specificity. Permeability surface of the thickened part had 82% sensitivity and 75% specificity. Moreover, mean transit time had 44% sensitivity and 75% specificity.
Conclusion
Quantitative perfusion CT measurements enable differentiation and better discrimination between malignant and benign nature of colorectal thickening; however, the need for histopathological correlation cannot be omitted.