[Comparison between PET/CT and MRI in diagnosing lymph node metastasis and N staging of nasopharyngeal carcinoma].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the clinical significance of PET/CT and MRI in diagnosing lymph node metastasis and N staging of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

METHODS:

116 NPC patients had undergone PET/CT and MRI before therapy. The findings of PET/CT and MRI in diagnosing lymph node metastasis and N staging were compared according to the results of follow-up.

RESULTS:

A total of 614 lymph nodes in 116 patients were analyzed. 340 positive nodes and 274 negative nodes interpreted by image findings were verified during follow-up. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of PET/CT in diagnosing node metastasis was 93.2%, 98.2% and 95.4%, while that of MRI was 88.8%, 91.2% and 89.9%, respectively, with statistically significant difference in each between PET/CT and MRI (P < 0.05). Based on Fuzhou Staging System, 109 patients (94.0%) were correctly staged by PET/CT, and 103 patients (88.8%) by MRI, while according to UICC Staging System, 108 patients (93.1%) were correctly staged by PET/CT, and 100 patients (86.2%) by MRI.

CONCLUSION:

PET/CT is superior to MRI in diagnosing lymph node metastasis and N staging of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The false-positive and false-negative assessment based on PET-CT scan findings may be caused by: (1) inflammatory hyperplastic node; (2) node with large areas of necrosis; (3) node in diameter less than spatial resolution limitation of PET.

• Authors: Gu-yi Zhang, Wei-han Hu, Li-zhi Liu, Hu-bing Wu, Yuan-hong Gao, Li Li, Yi Pan, Quan-shi Wang
• Journal: Zhonghua zhong liu za zhi [Chinese journal of oncology] (Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi) Vol. 28 Issue 5 Pg. 381-4 (May 2006) ISSN: 0253-3766 [Print] China
• PMID: 17045007 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Diagnostic Errors
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Lymph Nodes (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Lymphatic Metastasis
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms (diagnosis, pathology)
• Neoplasm Staging
• Positron-Emission Tomography
• Sensitivity and Specificity