A comparative study on MRI and CT in diagnosis and staging of cervical carcinoma

Objective To evaluate the value of MRI and CT in diagnosis and staging of uterine cervical carcinoma.Methods Pelvic MRI or CT imaging was performed in 42 patients with cervical carcinoma proved by pathology(MRI was performed in 22 patients and CT was performed in 20 patients).MRI and CT images were analyzed for location,signal characteristics,and extension of the primary tumor.The MRI and CT staging were compared with the clinical staging.Results There are 5 cases≤ⅡA stage among 20 patients with CT imaging,but 7 cases≤ⅡA stage with FIGO stage,2 cases underestimated.6 cases are ⅡB stage among 20 patients with CT imaging,but 5 cases with FIGO stage,1 cases overrated.6 cases ≥ Ⅲ stage among 20 patients with CT imaging,but 8 cases with FIGO stage,2 cases underestimated.There are 15 cases lymph nodes enlargement among 20 patients with CT imaging.4 cases are Ⅰstage among 22 patients with MRI imaging,but 2 cases areⅠstage with FIGO stage,2 cases overrated.14 cases are Ⅱstage among 22 patients with MR imaging,but 12 cases with FIGO stage,2 cases overrated.6 cases ≥ Ⅲ stage with MRI imaging,but 8 cases with FIGO stage,2 cases underestimated.There are 14 cases lymph nodes enlargement among 22 patients with MRI imaging.Conclusion It still has appeared some insufficiencies in the clinical staging.Further improving and perfecting should be carried out in it.MRI imaging is superior to clinical evaluation and CT image in the staging of uterine cervical carcinoma and should be regarded as a routine preoperative imaging study for cervical carcinoma.