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MRI of Rectal Cancer: Initial Staging and Restaging

Picture of Christopher Garcia, MD Christopher Garcia, MD : September 1, 2026

General

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MRI of Rectal Cancer: Initial Staging and Restaging

0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Cost: Free

Expires: 12/31/2028

Course Overview

This course provides a practical review of MRI in the evaluation of rectal cancer, covering both initial staging and post-treatment restaging. Participants will learn the key MRI findings that drive treatment planning, including T staging, nodal assessment, circumferential resection margin evaluation, and detection of extramural vascular invasion (EMVI). The course will then focus on restaging MRI after neoadjuvant therapy, emphasizing techniques for differentiating post-treatment fibrosis from residual viable tumor and assessing treatment response. Finally, attendees will learn how to integrate these imaging findings into a clear, structured report that effectively communicates margin risk, treatment response, and management implications to the multidisciplinary care team.

Learning Objectives

Identify key MRI features that determine initial staging and guide treatment decisions
Differentiate post-treatment fibrosis from residual viable tumor using T2 and diffusion-weighted imaging
Apply a structured reporting approach to clearly communicate margin risk, response, and management implications

For New Users

If you haven't accessed the vRad Radiology Education platform before, you will be prompted to complete a one-time registration process which allows you to access this course, and all other free CME courses vRad offers.

Audience and Claiming Credit

This course has been designed for radiologists. A certificate awarding credit will be issued to participants who have reviewed the entire presentation and correctly answered the post-test question.

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Minnesota Medical Association and vRad Radiology Education. The Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Minnesota Medical Association designated this online course review for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.