ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between tumor-vessel signs on 64-slice spiral CT (MSCT) and malignant change of tubulovillous adenoma in the colon and rectum. MethodsA retrospective study of the image and the clinical data of 16 patients with tubulovillous adenoma or malignant change proved by pathologies from February 2010 to October 2012 was conducted. The tumor-vessel signs were analyzed by multiplanar reformation (MPR) and maximum intensity projection (MIP) on picture archiving and communication systems workstation. ResultsAmong the 16 cases of tubulovillous adenoma or malignant change, 2 cases of tumor diameter≤2 cm had no tumor-vessel sign; and in the 14 cases of tumor diameter >2 cm, 13 were observed to bear tumor-vessel signs. The size of the tumor and tumor-vessel signs showed a certain correlation (r=0.618, P=0.002). And the manifestation of tumor-vessel signs had obvious differences between benign and malignant tumor. For the adenoma group, it showed venous blood vessel involvement, and downy and natural contour; for the adenocarcinoma group, it showed arterial blood vessel involvement, blood vessels with uneven thickness, visible expansion and irregular defect manifestations. No obvious difference was detected among tumor-vessel signs of adenocarcinoma with different malignant degree. ConclusionMSCT combined with image reconstruction techniques (such as MPR and MIP) can clearly demonstrate tumor blood supply, and tumor-vessel in the arterial phase may suggest a high risk of malignant change of tubulovillous adenoma in the colon and rectum.