The ability of helical CT to preoperatively stage endometrial carcinoma

OBJECTIVE. This study evaluated helical CT as an imaging modality for preop erative staging of endometrial carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Three radiologists retrospectively and independently reviewed the preoperative helical CT scans of 25 consecutive patients with endometrial carcinoma. The presence or absence of deep myometrial invasion and the presence or absence of cervical involvement were evaluated on heli cal CT and compared with pathologic findings at hysterectomy. RESULTS. Helical CT has a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 42% for t he detection of deep myometrial invasion (stage IC). Helical CT has a sensi tivity of 25% and a specificity of 70% for the detection of cervical involv ement (stage II). These results compare poorly with those of MR imaging (se nsitivity 92%. specificity 90% for the detection of deep myometrial invasio n: sensitivity 86%, specificity 97% for the detection of cervical involveme nt). CONCLUSION. Helical CT is insensitive and nonspecific compared with MR imag ing For the preoperative staging of endomrtrial carcinoma. MR imagine remai ns the imaging modality of choice.