Diagnostic Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Detecting Parametrial Invasion in Carcinoma of Cervix

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in the evaluation of parametrical invasion in carcinoma of the cervix using histopathological findings as gold standard.
Methodology: This Cross-sectional study was conducted at diagnostic radiology department of KIRAN hospital Karachi; study duration was 12 months from December 2012 to November 2013. All the patients having carcinoma of cervix proven by the biopsy were included in the study. MRI scan was performed using MRI system (Toshiba aport, 0.35 Tesla) with the pelvic array coil for the scan of the pelvis. After MRI the patients are referred to a gynecologist for hysterectomy and then surgical specimen was reviewed by two experienced histopathologists and reported the positive/negative parametrium invasion on surgical specimen.
Results: The average age of the patients was 49.42 ± 8.92 years.  Sensitivity and specificity was 81.7% and 82.2% respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 86% and 77.1%, while the accuracy of MRI in detecting parametrial invasion was 81.9%.
Conclusion: It is concluded that MRI is a best diagnostic tool with high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in detecting parametrial invasion of cervix carcinoma and its exact staging, size and location.