Evaluation of the role of MRi at 1.5 T in the staging of the initial extension of cancer of the uterine cervix
Soyer, P.; Rigaud, C.; Masselot, J.; Michel, G.
Journal Belge de Radiologie 74(2): 85-90
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0302-7430 PMID: 2061275 Document Number: 383995
To evaluate the sensibility and specificity of MRI in the initial staging of carcinoma of the uterine cervix, a retrospective study of 41 patients (48 MR scans) was undertaken. The sensitivity of T2-weighted images in the detection and determination of tumor location was 90% and specificity was 100%. On T2-weighted images, the signal intensity of the tumor was high in 64%. Determination of tumor size was correct in 80%. The ability of MRI to demonstrate the extension to the uterine corpus was acceptable with a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 100%. The extra-uterine extension was difficult to appreciate especially for parametrial, vaginal and bladder involvement with a sensitivity of 38%, 43 and 67% respectively. Concerning the lymph nodes involvement, the sensitivity was 38%. The results of this study point out the ability of MRI to evaluate the size and location of the tumor. The accuracy of MRI to appreciate the involvement of the parameters, vagina and bladder is disappointing.