Endorectal coil magnetic resonance imaging or endorectal coil MRI is a type of medical imaging in which MRI is used in conjunction with a coil placed into the rectum in order to obtain high quality images of the area surrounding the rectum.
[1] The technique has demonstrated higher accuracy than other modalities in assessing seminal vesicle invasion and extra-capsular extension (ECE) of prostate cancer (96% and 81% respectively).
Endorectal coil MRI is useful for determining the extent of spread and local invasion of cancers of the prostate, rectum, and anus.
[2] The coil consists of a probe with an inflatable balloon which helps maintain appropriate positioning.
Similar coils may be used vaginally for evaluating cervical cancer.