Parametrial Invasion In Patients Research Articles

Stage II endometrial cancer: The diagnostic power of hysteroscopic excisional biopsy and MRI in the pre-operative cervical stroma assessment

Introduction/backgroundStage II Endometrial cancer (EC) accounts only for 12% of cases. Recent evidences redraw the weight of radicality in this stage as it would seem to have no impact on survival outcomes claiming for radicality when free surgical margins are not ensured to be achieved by simple hysterectomy. Thus, an accurate pre-operative evaluation might be crucial. This study aims to estimate the diagnostic power of Hysteroscopic excisional biopsy (HEB) of cervical stroma alone and combined with Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict the stage and concealed parametrial invasion in patients with preoperative stage II EC. MethodologyFrom January 2019 to November 2023, all patients evaluated at the Department of Gynaecology Oncology of Humanitas, Istituto Clinico Catanese, Catania, Italy, with a diagnosis of EC and evidence of cervical stromal diffusion on preoperative MRI and/or office hysteroscopy evaluation, considered suitable for laparoscopic modified type B hysterectomy, were consecutively included in the study. These underwent endometrial and cervical hysteroscopy excisional biopsy (HEB) for histological evaluation before definitive surgery. The data obtained were compared with the definitive histological examination (reference standard). ResultsSixteen patients met the including/excluding criteria and were considered into the study. Stage II endometrial cancer were confirmed in 3 cases (18.7%). We reported 2 (12,5%) parametrial involvement (IIIB), 4 (25%) cases of lymph nodes metastasis (IIIc), 7 (43,7%) cases of I stage. MRI had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy (95% CIs) of 71%, 44%, 50%, 66% and 56.2 % respectively.HEB showed sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy (95 % CI) of 85 %, 89 %, 85 %, 88 % and 87 % respectively. Comparing HEB + MRI to HEB alone, no statistical differences were noted in all fields. Considering parametrial invasion, MRI had better sensitivity but there were no statistical differences to HEB in other fields, showing both a worthy NPV. ConclusionHEB was accurate in all fields for cervical stroma assessment and had a fine NPV to exclude massive cervical involvement up to parametrial. Considering the new FIGO staging a preoperative molecular and histological evaluation of the cervical stroma may be useful. Operative hysteroscopy seems to be a feasible and accurate method for this purpose.

Intratumoral and peritumoral MRI radiomics nomogram for predicting parametrial invasion in patients with early-stage cervical adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma.

To develop a comprehensive nomogram based on MRI intra- and peritumoral radiomics signatures and independent risk factors for predicting parametrial invasion (PMI) in patients with early-stage cervical adenocarcinoma (AC) and adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC). A total of 460 patients with IB to IIB cervical AC and ASC who underwent preoperative MRI examination and radical trachelectomy/hysterectomy were retrospectively enrolled and divided into primary, internal validation, and external validation cohorts. The original (Ori) and wavelet (Wav)-transform features were extracted from the volumetric region of interest of the tumour (ROI-T) and 3mm- and 5mm-peritumoral rings (ROI-3 and ROI-5), respectively. Then the Ori and Ori-Wav feature-based radiomics signatures from the tumour (RST) and 3 mm- and 5 mm-peritumoral regions (RS3 and RS5) were independently built and their diagnostic performances were compared to select the optimal ones. Finally, the nomogram was developed by integrating optimal intra- and peritumoral signatures and clinical independent risk factors based on multivariable logistic regression analysis. FIGO stage, disruption of the cervical stromal ringon MRI (DCSRMR), parametrial invasion on MRI (PMIMR), and serum CA-125 were identified as independent risk factors. The nomogram constructed by integrating independent risk factors, Ori-Wav feature-based RST, and RS5 yielded AUCs of 0.874 (0.810-0.922), 0.885 (0.834-0.924), and 0.966 (0.887-0.995) for predicting PMI in the primary, internal and external validation cohorts, respectively. Furthermore, the nomogram was superior to radiomics signatures and clinical model for predicting PMI in three cohorts. The nomogram can preoperatively, accurately, and noninvasively predict PMI in patients with early-stage cervical AC and ASC. The nomogram can preoperatively, accurately, and noninvasively predict PMI and facilitate precise treatment decisions regarding chemoradiotherapy or radical hysterectomy in patients with early-stage cervical AC and ASC. The accurate preoperative prediction of PMI in early-stage cervical AC and ASC can facilitate precise treatment decisions regarding chemoradiotherapy or radical hysterectomy. The nomogram integrating independent risk factors, Ori-Wav feature-based RST, and RS5 can preoperatively, accurately, and noninvasively predict PMI in early-stage cervical AC and ASC. The nomogram was superior to radiomics signatures and clinical model for predicting PMI in early-stage cervical AC and ASC.

Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Determining Prognostic Factors for Cervical Cancer IB2-IIB Stages after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Background : Comprehensive treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer (CC) requires the use of informative diagnostic methods to assess tumor size, extent of the tumor and other factors that determine prognosis of the disease. Purpose : Determination of diagnostic opportunities of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in the visualization of residual tumor and assessment of the main prognostic factors in patients with stage IB2-IIB cervical cancer (FIGO) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Material and methods : Patients with stage IB2-IIB cervical cancer (n = 120) were prospectively enrolled in the study; they received NACT followed by surgical treatment or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Patients underwent mpMRI before NACT and not later than 14 days after the 3rd course of NACT. To determine the diagnostic opportunities of mpMRI, MRI-data were compared with pathomorphological results. In the comparative analysis were included the following factors: residual tumor size (maximum diameter), depth of stromal invasion (mm), presence of parametrial invasion. Potential MRI-signs suggestive for lymphovascular invasion (LVI) of the parametrium were also assessed. Results : Obtained MRI-data about the size of the residual tumor and the depth of stromal invasion showed statistically significant correlation with the results of pathomorphological study (p < 0.0001) — R 2 = 0.77 and 0.69, respectively. Difference value in measuring the maximum diameter of the residual tumor was on the average 2.52±6.76 mm. MRI sensitivity in the assessment of parametrial invasion was 71.4 %, specificity — 95.1 %, accuracy — 88.9 %, PVPR — 71.4 %, PVNR — 95.1 %. Potential predictors significantly associated with parametrial LVI were identified: parametrial edema (p = 0.001) and dilatation of parametrial vessels (> 3 mm) (p = 0.015). According to these factors was developed a mathematical model, which predicts the risk of having parametrial LVI before surgery in patients after NACT. Conclusion : Multiparametric MRI is an effective technique in assessing the size of the residual tumor, depth of stromal invasion and parametrial invasion in patients with stage IB2-IIB cervical cancer after NACT. MpMRI makes it possible to assess potential signs, associated with parametrial LVI in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.

What are the determinants of parametrial invasion in patients with early stage cervical cancer: A cross sectional study

IntroductionThere was an increase in number of patients presented with early-stage cervical cancer (CC). Tumors with favorable pathological features might be candidates for less radical surgery. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 700 patients with histologically confirmed CC between January 2011 and March 2020. Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to assess relations between parametrial involvement (PI) and clinic-pathological variables. ResultsTotal number of 132 patients with stage IA to IIA were eligible to participate. Squamous cell carcinoma was reported in 100 (75.8%) patients, adenocarcinoma and other tumor pathologies were found in 24(18.2%) and 8(6.1%), respectively. Considering the 2018 FIGO stage, 11 (8.4%) patients had IA, 111 (83%%) IB and 10 (7.6%) IIA. Nine patients (6.8%) had PI on permanent pathologic report. Univariate analysis demonstrated that following variables were statistically different between patients with and without PI: age ≥50, tumor size ≥ 3 cm, lower segment involvement, poorly differentiated pathology, deep stromal invasion, pelvic lymph node, lympho-vascular involvement and positive surgical margin (all p values < 0.05). Among these variables only tumor size ≥3 cm (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.11–4.16, p value: 0.02), deep stromal invasion (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.9–7.43, p value: 0.02) and positive surgical margin (OR: 5.1, 95% CI: 3.97–11.15, p value: 0.008) were independent risk factor of PI in multivariate analysis. ConclusionsEarly stage CC might be surgically approached in a more conservative manner if patients have tumor size <3 cm and do not have deep stromal invasion in conization.

Preoperative prediction of parametrial invasion in early-stage cervical cancer with MRI-based radiomics nomogram.

To develop and identify a MRI-based radiomics nomogram for the preoperative prediction of parametrial invasion (PMI) in patients with early-stage cervical cancer (ECC). All 137 patients with ECC (FIGO stages IB-IIA) underwent T2WI and DWI scans before radical hysterectomy surgery. The radiomics signatures were calculated with the radiomics features which were extracted from T2WI and DWI and selected by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operation regression. The support vector machine (SVM) models were built using radiomics signatures derived from T2WI and joint T2WI and DWI respectively to evaluate the performance of radiomics signatures for distinguishing patients with PMI. A radiomics nomogram was drawn based on the radiomics signatures with a better performance, patient's age, and pathological grade; its discrimination and calibration performances were estimated. For T2WI and joint T2WI and DWI, the radiomics signatures yielded an AUC of 0.797 (95% CI, 0.682-0.911) vs 0.946 (95% CI, 0.899-0.994), and 0.780 (95% CI, 0.641-0.920) vs 0.921 (95% CI, 0.832-1) respectively in the primary and validation cohorts. The radiomics nomogram, integrating the radiomics signatures from joint T2WI and DWI, patient's age, and pathological grade, showed excellent discrimination, with C-index values of 0.969 (95% CI, 0.933-1) and 0.941 (95% CI, 0.868-1) in the primary and validation cohorts, respectively. The calibration curve showed a good agreement. The radiomics nomogram performed well for the preoperative prediction of PMI in patients with ECC and may be used as a supplementary tool to provide individualized treatment plans for patients with ECC. • No previously reported study that has utilized radiomics nomogram to preoperatively predict PMI for patients with ECC. • Radiomics model involves radiomics features extracted from joint T2WI and DWI which characterize the heterogeneity between tumors in patients with ECC. • Radiomics nomogram can assist clinicians with individualized treatment decision-making for patients with ECC.

Diagnostic performance of MR imaging in evaluating prognostic factors in patients with cervical cancer: a meta-analysis.

This study aims to determine the diagnostic performance of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in assessing the distance between the tumor and the internal os, stromal infiltration, lymph node metastasis, and parametrial invasion in patients with cervical cancer. A systematic English-language literature search of conventional MRI in the evaluation of human cervical cancer was performed in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases from 1995 to 2018. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR and NLR) of all studies were calculated. The results were then plotted in a hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) plot, and meta-regression and subgroup analyses of the parametrial invasion were also performed. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR, PLR, and NLR were 86%, 97%, 167.91, 24.74, and 0.15, respectively, in evaluating the internal os involvement (6 studies, 454 patients); 87%, 91%, 73.41, 10.22, and 0.14, respectively, in evaluating the stromal infiltration (11 studies, 672 patients); 51%, 89%, 8.63, 4.72, and 0.55, respectively, in evaluating the lymph node metastasis (15 studies, 997 patients); and 75%, 92%, 34.01, 9.38, and 0.28, respectively, in evaluating the parametrial invasion (19 studies, 1748 patients). The meta-regression of the parametrial invasion showed that the application of contrast enhancement was a significant factor affected the heterogeneity (p = 0.039). Conventional MRI can accurately evaluate the distance between the tumor and the internal os, as well as stromal infiltration, and performs well in diagnosing the parametrial invasion. However, this method exhibited a limited ability in diagnosing the lymph node metastasis. • MRI can help clinicians to accurately assess the distance between the tumor and the internal os, stromal infiltration, and parametrial invasion in patients with uterine cervical neoplasms. • MRI exhibits a limited ability in diagnosing the lymph node metastasis. • Management of patients with uterine cervical neoplasms becomes more appropriate.

Factors predicting parametrial invasion in patients with early-stage cervical carcinomas.

We aimed to identify factors predicting parametrial invasion in early-stage cervical cancer patients undergoing radical hysterectomy. We recruited women with invasive cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy at a single medical institute from 2000–2011. The clinical and pathological characteristics and outcomes were retrospectively recorded, and the risk factors for parametrial invasion were analyzed. We enrolled 339 patients, including 7 with stage IA1 carcinomas, 10 with stage IA2, 266 with stage IB1, 39 with stage IB2, 14 with stage IIA1, and 3 with stage IIA2. The majority (237/339, 69.9%) had squamous cell carcinoma, while 32 (12.4%) had parametrial invasion. The 16 patients with stage IB1 tumors and parametrial invasion were older (55.9±9.5vs. 49.0±9.9 years, p = 0.005, Mann-Whitney U test), and had deeper cervical stromal invasion (9.59±4.87 vs. 7.47±5.48 mm, p = 0.048, Mann-Whitney U test), larger tumor size (2.32±1.15 vs. 1.74±1.14cm, p = 0.043, Mann-Whitney U test), higher incidences of lymphovascular space invasion (87.5% vs. 28.8%, p<0.001, chi-square test), and greater lymph node metastasis (68.8% vs. 10.8%, p<0.001, chi-square test) than the 260 patients without parametrial invasion. Among the patients with stage IB1 tumor size >2 cm,10% had parametrial invasion and 24.2% had lymph node metastasis compared with only 4% and 9.4% of stage IB1 patients with a tumor size <2 cm, respectively. Only one (0.9%) of the 109 patients aged less than 50 years had parametrial invasion compared with 6 (9.7%) of the 62 patients aged over 50 years. Patients with stage IA2 and IB1 tumors <2 cm may not need radical hysterectomy owing to the low incidence of parametrial invasion.

Identification of a low risk population for parametrial invasion in patients with early-stage cervical cancer

BackgroundRecent studies have challenged radical procedures for less extensive surgery in selected patients with early-stage cervical cancer at low risk of parametrial invasion. Our objective was to identify a subgroup of patients at low risk of parametrial invasion among women having undergone surgical treatment.MethodsData of 1447 patients with cervical cancer treated between 1996 and 2016 were extracted from maintained databases of 10 French University hospitals. Patients with early-stage (IA2–IIA) disease treated by radical surgery including hysterectomy and trachelectomy, were selected for further analysis. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate the survival distribution. A Cox proportional hazards model including all the parameters statistically significant in univariate analysis, was used to account for the influence of multiple variables.ResultsOut of the 263 patients included for analysis, on final pathology analysis 28 (10.6%) had parametrial invasion and 235 (89.4%) did not. Factors significantly associated with parametrial invasion on multivariate analysis were: age > 65 years, tumor > 30 mm in diameter measured by MRI, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) on pathologic analysis. Among the 235 patients with negative pelvic lymph nodes, parametrial disease was seen in only 7.6% compared with 30.8% of those with positive pelvic nodes (p < 0.001). In a subgroup of patients presenting tumors < 30 mm, negative pelvic status and no LVSI, the risk of parametrial invasion fell to 0.6% (1/173 patients).ConclusionOur analysis suggests that there is a subgroup of patients at very low risk of parametrial invasion, potentially eligible for less radical procedures.

Predicting Parametrial Invasion in Cervical Carcinoma (Stages IB1, IB2, and IIA): Diagnostic Accuracy of T2-Weighted Imaging Combined With DWI at 3 T.

The objective of our study was to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of combined analysis of T2-weighted imaging and DWI in the diagnosis of parametrial invasion (PMI) in cervical carcinoma. The clinical records of 192 patients with cervical carcinoma who met the study requirements were reviewed for this retrospective study. The signal intensities of suspicious PMI tissue were assessed on T2-weighted images, DW images, and apparent diffusion coefficient maps independently by two experienced radiologists. The radiologist observers predicted the presence of PMI by scoring T2-weighted imaging alone and then by scoring T2-weighted imaging and DWI combined. The results were compared with histopathologic findings. Histopathologic findings revealed PMI in 24 of 192 study subjects. In positively predicting the presence of PMI, T2-weighted imaging and DWI combined scored significantly better than T2-weighted imaging alone, as proven by high sensitivity (T2-weighted imaging alone vs T2-weighted imaging and DWI combined: observer 1, 75.0% vs 83.3% [p = 0.477]; observer 2, 66.7% vs 91.7% [p < 0.05]), high specificity (T2-weighted imaging alone vs T2-weighted imaging and DWI combined: observer 1, 84.5% vs 98.8% [p < 0.001]; observer 2, 85.7% vs 98.8% [p < 0.001]), and high accuracy (T2-weighted imaging alone vs T2-weighted imaging and DWI combined: observer 1, 83.3% vs 96.9% [p < 0.001]; observer 2, 83.3% vs 97.9% [p < 0.001]). The area under the ROC curve was also significantly higher for T2-weighted imaging and DWI combined (observer 1, 0.911; observer 2, 0.952) than for T2-weighted imaging alone (observer 1, 0.798; observer 2, 0.762). Although the interobserver agreement was good for T2-weighted imaging (κ = 0.695) and excellent for T2-weighted imaging and DWI combined (κ = 0.753), the improvement failed to achieve statistical significance (p = 0.28). Combined analysis of T2-weighted imaging and DWI enhances the accuracy of diagnosing PMI in patients with cervical cancer compared with T2-weighted imaging alone.

Magnetic resonance imaging for detection of parametrial invasion in cervical cancer: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature between 2012 and 2016.

To review the diagnostic performanceof MRI for detection of parametrial invasion (PMI) in cervical cancer patients. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for studies providing diagnostic performance of MRI for detecting PMI in patients with cervical cancer. Studies published between 2012 and 2016 using surgico-pathological results as reference standard were included. Study quality was evaluated using QUADAS-2. Sensitivity and specificity of all studies were calculated. Results were pooled and plotted in a hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic plot. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed. Fourteen studies (1,028 patients) were included. Study quality was generally moderate. Pooled sensitivity was 0.76 (95% CI 0.67-0.84) and specificity was0.94 (95% CI 0.91-0.95). The possibility of heterogeneity was considered low: Cochran's Q-test (p = 0.471), Tau2 (0.240), Higgins I2 (0%). With meta-regression analysis, magnet strength, use of DWI, and antispasmodic drugs were significant factors affecting heterogeneity (p < 0.01). Subgroup analysis for studies solely using radical hysterectomy as reference standard yielded pooled sensitivity and specificity of 0.73 (95% CI 0.60-0.83) and 0.93 (95% CI 0.90-0.95), respectively. MRI shows good performance for detection of PMI in cervical cancer. Using 3-T scanners and DWI may improve diagnostic performance. • MRI shows good performance for detection of parametrial invasion in cervical cancer. • Subgroup of studies using only radical hysterectomy showed consistent results. • Using 3-Tesla scanners and diffusion-weighted imaging may improve diagnostic performance.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Valuable Tool for Predicting Parametrial Invasion in Stage IB1 to IIA2 Cervical Cancer.

The aims of study were to determine the predictive value of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for parametrial invasion (PMI) and to develop a predictive model for PMI in patients with stage IB1 to IIA2 cervical cancer. We retrospectively analyzed patients with stage IB1 to IIA2 cervical cancer (n = 215) who underwent radical hysterectomy between 2003 and 2014. The presence of PMI from postoperative pathological reports and its association with preoperative MRI findings were evaluated. We developed a predictive model for PMI using independent predictive factors identified by logistic regression and estimated its predictive performance. Thirty patients (14.0%) had PMI from postoperative pathological reports. Among the preoperative MRI findings, a greater tumor diameter (4.2 vs 2.0 cm; P < 0.001), a larger tumor volume (92.6 vs 12.7 cm; P < 0.001), the presence of PMI (53.3% vs 8.6%; P < 0.001), and upper vaginal involvement (73.3% vs 22.7%; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with PMI. Multivariate analysis identified tumor volume (odds ratio, 7.0; 95% confidence interval, 2.63-18.53; P < 0.001) and PMI (odds ratio, 6.1; 95% confidence interval, 2.31-15.97; P < 0.001) from preoperative MRI findings as independent predictive factors for PMI. Our predictive model demonstrates that the presence of PMI or a tumor volume of greater than 18.0 cm has a higher sensitivity (86.7% vs 53.3%) and lower specificity (74.6% vs 91.4%) than the presence of PMI alone. Specifically, the model's negative predictive value was superior to that of PMI only (97.2% vs 92.3%). In the low-risk group, defined as preoperative MRI findings suggesting no PMI and a tumor volume of 18.0 cm or less, the proportion of false negative cases was just 2.8%. When tumor volume with findings suggesting that PMI is considered, preoperative MRI is useful in excluding PMI. A predictive model based on preoperative MRI findings seems to be valuable in identifying potential candidates for less radical surgery in stage IB1 to IIA2 cervical cancer.

Preoperative nomogram for individualized prediction of parametrial invasion in patients with FIGO stage IB cervical cancer treated with radical hysterectomy

Preoperative nomogram for individualized prediction of parametrial invasion in patients with FIGO stage IB cervical cancer treated with radical hysterectomy

A Predictive Model for Parametrial Invasion in Patients With FIGO Stage IB Cervical Cancer: Individualized Approach for Primary Treatment.

The aim of this study was to preoperatively identify high- and low-risk subgroups of patients with parametrial involvement in those with FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage IB cervical cancer treated with radical hysterectomy according to menopause. We retrospectively reviewed data of 197 patients with FIGO stage IB cervical cancer. None of the patients had definite evidence of parametrial invasion in a preoperative examination and underwent type III radical hysterectomy between February 2006 and March 2015. Preoperative risk criteria predicting parametrial involvement were identified in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, respectively. Tumor size on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) more than 4 cm (odds ratio [OR], 10.029; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.300-43.741; P = 0.002) and serum squamous cell carcinoma-antigen level of 3.60 ng/mL or more (OR, 4.132; 95% CI, 1.086-5.723; P = 0.037) were independent factors for parametrial invasion in premenopausal women. Significant factors associated with parametrial involvement in postmenopausal women were tumor size on MRI more than 3 cm (OR, 11.353; 95% CI, 2.614-49.306; P = 0.001) and Cyfra 21-1 level of 2.40 ng/mL or more (OR, 8.048; 95% CI, 1.240-52.221; P = 0.029). Patients were categorized into low- and high-risk groups according to risk criteria. Significant differences in the rates of parametrial invasion were observed between the groups (2.3% vs 38.6% in the premenopausal group, P < 0.001; 11.1% vs 77.3% in the postmenopausal group, P < 0.001). A model using preoperative tumor size on MRI, serum squamous cell carcinoma-antigen, and Cyfra 21-1 level was highly predictive of parametrial invasion in patients with FIGO stage IB cervical cancer. In particular, postmenopausal women were likely to have microscopic parametrial invasion, even among tumors 3 cm or less. Therefore, individualized approaches considering several preoperative factors are needed.

Histopathological and immunohistochemical (cytokeratins AE1/AE3) study of the parametrium of patients with early stage cervical cancer

Objective This study was undertaken in order to evaluate histopathological and immunohistochemical (cytokeratins AE1/AE3) characteristics of parametrial invasion in patients with early stage cervical cancer. Study design Thirty patients with stage IB squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the cervix submitted to radical hysterectomy from November 2001 to September 2002 were prospectively studied. Histopathological studies were undertaken using tissue samples ( n = 60) taken from the parametrium, whose surgical margins were inked and the entire parametrial tissue was fixed in 10% buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin for further analysis using hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining. Specific patterns of parametrial involvement (continuous invasion, parametrial lymphatic vascular space invasion (LVSI) and/or parametrial lymph nodes’ (PMLN) metastasis) were recorded. Parametrial samples, in which the histological examination showed no tumor involvement, were immunohistochemically assessed through monoclonal antibodies for cytokeratins AE1/AE3. Clinicopathological characteristics of the patients were also recorded. Results Patient’s mean age was 49 ± 10 years (27–73 years). Histopathological analysis (H&E) showed parametrium involvement in 12 patients (40%) of whom 11 (92%) presented parametrial LVSI, 9 (75%) continuous invasion and 4 (33%) PMLN metastasis. Micrometastasis was detected in 3/18 (17%) of the patients with histologically negative parametrium by H&E evaluation. Parametrial involvement detected by H&E was associated with tumor recurrence ( p = 0.009) and survival ( p = 0.025). This association was not correlated with the presence of parametrial micrometastasis ( p = 1.00 and 1.00, respectively). Conclusions The process of parametrial spreading in patients with SCC of the cervix may develop several histopathological patterns, which are associated with clinicopathological features and prognosis. Our findings highlight the importance to ink the parametria, which is the only way to define the pattern of tumor spreading. The clinical significance of micrometastasis, detected in patients with histologically negative parametrium by H&E, remains to be clear.

Detection of Parametrial Invasion in Cervical Carcinoma: Role of Short Tau Inversion Recovery Sequence

AIM: To investigate the role of short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequence in the detection of parametrial invasion in patients with carcinoma of the cervix.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of the cervical region using T1 weighted turbo spin echo (TSE), TSE T2, STIR and T1 weighted dynamic gadolinium enhanced SE sequences were obtained in 38 patients with cervical carcinoma. All the images were assessed for the presence or absence of parametrial invasion using a standard scoring system. The diagnostic confidence, image quality, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy of each sequence were compared.RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy for each sequence in the diagnosis of parametrial invasion were: 60%, 80%, 32%, 93% and 78% for unenhanced T1W sequence; 90%, 92%, 64%, 98% and 92% for TSE T2 sequence; 90%, 94%, 69%, 98% and 93% for STIR sequence; and 90%, 80%, 41%, 98% and 82% for dynamic T1W sequence, respectively. Image quality and diagnostic confidence were both better for STIR and T2 compared to the dynamic T1 sequence.CONCLUSION: Dynamic T1W imaging is inferior to STIR and TSE T2 sequences. STIR is of similar value in the detection of parametrial invasion in cervical carcinoma as a TSE T2W sequence; their simultaneous use is not justified.Lam, W. W. M. (2000). Clinical Radiology55, 702–707.

Carcinoma of the cervix: value of MR imaging in detecting parametrial involvement.

In patients with cervical carcinoma, precise knowledge of parametrial tumor extension affects the therapeutic decision between surgery and radiation therapy. The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the efficacy of MR imaging in detecting the presence or absence of parametrial invasion in patients with cervical cancer thought clinically to be confined to the cervix. Twenty-five consecutive patients were included in the study. All patients underwent radical hysterectomy or total abdominal hysterectomy and had detailed histologic evaluation of the parametrium. Ten had pathologic evidence of parametrial invasion; in the remaining 15, no parametrial invasion was identified pathologically. MR findings were compared with pathologic findings in all cases. For determining parametrial involvement, MR imaging had an accuracy of 88%, a sensitivity of 100%, and a specificity of 80%. Our results suggest that MR imaging is a reliable means of assessing parametrial invasion by cervical cancer.