Staging of endometrial carcinoma by magnetic resonance imaging: correlation with surgery and histopathology.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the accuracy of MRI in staging of endometrial carcinoma, and comparison with surgery and histopathological findings. METHODS A one year prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from 10/3/2005 to 31/5/2006, at the Radiology department, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) Karachi. Fifty two patients with diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma, referred to radiology department for preoperative staging by MRI and had undergone surgery were included. RESULTS MRI was found to be 79% sensitive, 85% specific and 80% accurate for staging endometrial carcinoma while PPV and NPV were 97% and 66% respectively. CONCLUSION Magnetic resonance imaging is a good, safe, accurate and non invasive imaging modality in staging of endometrial carcinoma. It can be used as a first line radiological investigation in patients with endometrial carcinoma for treatment planning.