[Lymph node staging in cervix carcinomas: the results of high-resolution magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) with a phased-array body coil].

PURPOSE

To determine the diagnostic value of high resolution MR imaging with a circularly polarised (c.p.) body phased-array coil for the staging of pelvic lymph nodes in cervical carcinoma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

42 patients with histologically proven carcinoma of the cervix were studied on a 1.5 T scanner by using a c.p. body phased-array coil. The imaging protocol included T2-weighted turbo-spin-echo (TSE) and T1-weighted spin-echo sequences pre and post i.v. application of Gd-DTPA; slice thickness was 5-7 mm and pixel size 0.53 mm2. Lymph nodes with a diameter of > or = 8 mm were considered to have metastatic involvement. MR imaging results were compared with histopathologic findings.

RESULTS

MR imaging showed enlarged lymph nodes (> or = 8 mm) in 16 of 18 patients with histologic proof of lymph node metastases (sensitivity 89%). In 22 of 24 cases MR findings were true negative (specificity 92%). Diagnostic accuracy was 91%.

CONCLUSION

High-resolution MR imaging with a c.p. body phased-array coil provides high sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy for pelvic lymph node staging in cervical carcinoma.