Role of Multi-detector CT in Local Staging of Uterine Malignancies

Abstract

CT is a very accurate tool to determine whether the case is operable or not. MRI with its high soft tissue resolution capability could be preserved for selected cases, as young female patients who need to preserve the uterus. In cervical cancer , CT gave higher accuracy for determining rectal bladder and lymph node invasion ,and lower accuracy for parametrial and vaginal invasion, however the former was improved by adding post contrast delayed scanning to the protocol. In our study the main concern was to achieve maximum utility of multidetector CT in the local staging of uterine malignancies especially it is a routine tool for screening metastases.We found out that the overall staging accuracy for CT was 77% in endometrial carcinoma, 66.7% in cervical carcinoma and 90% in recurrent cases.In our study we chosen different trials in our examinations to the included study cases in order to achieve optimal results. Based on these trails, we recommend a delayed post contrast CT scanning (7 minutes after IV contrast ) on the pelvis to be integrated as a part of specific protocol for imaging in cases of uterine malignancy. Furthermore, full bladder, vaginal packing by gel and rectal opacification by contrast is to be considered.