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.