The ability of helical CT to preoperatively stage endometrial carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated helical CT as an imaging modality for preoperative 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 helical CT and compared with pathologic findings at hysterectomy.

RESULTS: Helical CT has a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 42% for the detection of deep myometrial invasion (stage IC). Helical CT has a sensitivity of 25% and a specificity of 70% for the detection of cervical involvement (state II). These results compare poorly with those of MR imaging (sensitivity 92%, specificity 90% for the detection of deep myometrial invasion; sensitivity 86%, specificity 97% for the detection of cervical involvement).

CONCLUSION: Helical CT is insensitive and nonspecific compared with MR imaging for the preoperative staging of endometrial carcinoma. MR imaging remains the imaging modality of choice.