Detection and evaluation of pelvic lymph nodes in patients with gynecologic malignancies using body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND

In this study, the potential in detecting and evaluating pelvic lymph node metastases on body diffusion-weighted (DW) images was evaluated in patients with gynecologic malignancies.

METHODS

This study included 18 patients with gynecologic malignancy who underwent magnetic resonance imaging in the pelvis using a 1.5-T superconductive magnet. The identification of pelvic nodes on only T2-weighted (T2W) axial images and on DW axial images in addition to T2W axial images was examined and compared. Moreover, we measured and calculated a short-axis diameter, a long-axis diameter, and a ratio of short- and long-axis diameter of nodes on the T2W images and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the nodes on the DW images. These results were compared with histopathologic results.

RESULTS

First, 136 (40%) of 340 dissected nodes were identified on T2W images, and 249 (73%) of 340 dissected nodes were identified on DW images in addition to T2W images. Second, the differences in the short-axis diameter, the long-axis diameter, and the ratio of short- and long-axis diameter on T2W images between metastatic and nonmetastatic nodes were not significant. The differences in the ADC values between metastatic and nonmetastatic nodes were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Body DW images are useful in detection of pelvic lymph nodes in patients with gynecologic malignancy. However, the measurement of ADC values does not contribute to a diagnosis of metastatic nodes.