Correlation between baseline magnetic resonance imaging features and serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels in patients with primary rectal cancer.

Background: Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings are widely used for the diagnosis and treatment of rectal cancer; however, research investigating their correlation remains limited.

Aim: To investigate the correlation between baseline MRI features and serum CEA levels in patients diagnosed with primary rectal cancer.

Methods: Eighty patients (age: 42-78 years) diagnosed with primary rectal cancer were enrolled. Baseline MRI examinations were performed to evaluate tumor size, T stage, circumferential resection margin status, extramural vascular invasion (EMVI), and lymph node metastasis. Serum CEA levels were concurrently measured. Statistical methods were used to analyze correlations.

Results: Tumor size, T stage, EMVI, and lymph node metastasis were significantly correlated with serum CEA levels (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified T stage and lymph node metastasis as independent factors influencing serum CEA levels.

Conclusion: This study confirmed the correlation between baseline MRI features and serum CEA levels in patients with primary rectal cancer, highlighting their potential utility for precise diagnosis, staging, and prognostic evaluation.