Node-RADS for preoperative locoregional nodal staging of endometrial cancer: reproducibility and accuracy assessment using CT and MRI.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the reproducibility and diagnostic accuracy of the Node Reporting and Data System 1.0 (Node-RADS) for detecting pelvic nodal metastases by endometrial cancer (EC) using CT and MRI, among readers with different levels of expertise.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This IRB-approved, single-center retrospective study included 128 patients with EC who underwent preoperative MRI at our Institution (Jan 2020-Dec 2023). Six readers with different levels of expertise in pelvic MRI (2 dedicated pelvic radiologists, 2 residents in their fourth year of training, and 2 residents in their second year of training) independently evaluated preoperative CTs and MRIs and assigned Node-RADS scores. Inter-observer agreement and inter-method agreement were calculated. Node-RADS was compared with post-surgical pathology data.

RESULTS

At surgery, pelvic nodal metastases were detected in 12.5% of the patients. Interobserver agreement in nodal status assessment using Node-RADS varied from κ = 0.783 to κ = 0.426 using MRI, and from κ = 0.936 to κ = 0.295 using CT, with worse results among less experienced readers. MRI and CT were concordant in the N definition in 94-98% of the cases. Using MRI, the most experienced readers showed 63% sensitivity and 100% specificity in the detection of nodal metastases, compared to 44% sensitivity and 96% specificity for poorly experienced readers. Using CT, the most experienced readers showed 50% sensitivity and 100% specificity; the less experienced readers showed 43% sensitivity and 94% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

Node-RADS is a reproducible and accurate tool for locoregional nodal staging of EC, but only for readers with specific experience in pelvic imaging. MRI outperforms CT in nodal assessment.

KEY POINTS

Question Preoperative assessment of nodal metastases by EC is difficult, but it may help in tailoring the best surgical approach for each patient. Findings Node-RADS is a reliable tool for assessing the presence of pelvic nodal metastases by EC, both on CT and MRI, among experienced readers. Clinical relevance The use of Node-RADS among experienced readers enables detection of nodal metastases with good sensitivity and excellent specificity; MRI should be preferred over CT due to its higher sensitivity.