RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The aims of the present study were to assess the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the staging and follow-up of uterine cervical cancers discovered during pregnancy and to evaluate the role of MRI in decision making regarding treatment options for patients with uterine cervical cancer during pregnancy. METHOD: Twelve pregnant women with cervical cancer were included. Two populations of patients were distinguished: localized cervical cancer discovered on the Pap smear during the first trimester of pregnancy, at an early stage (n=5), and invasive cervical cancer revealed later, during the second or third trimester (n=7). Abdominal and pelvic MRI sequences were acquired with a phased-array coil. Magnetic resonance results were correlated with the physical examination, Pap smear, and pathology. RESULTS: In the first population, MRI was normal or detected a small lesion (stage IB1), and pregnancies were allowed to continue. In the second population, MRI detected a lesion in every case (mean size, 62 mm; 30-110 mm), and positive lymph nodes were depicted in 2 cases. The pregnancy was interrupted in four patients: one interruption in localized cervical cancer group and three in invasive cervical group). In all other cases, a cesarean section was done after the 30th week. In one case, MRI assessed response after chemotherapy administered during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: MRI is an essential examination for planning the treatment of cervical cancers diagnosed during pregnancy.
Asunto(s)
Imagen por Resonancia Magnética/métodos , Complicaciones Neoplásicas del Embarazo/diagnóstico , Complicaciones Neoplásicas del Embarazo/terapia , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/diagnóstico , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/terapia , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Embarazo , Pronóstico , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Resultado del Tratamiento , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of abdominal pain. Plain abdomen radiography is of very limited value, but is still too often requested. Ultrasound is the first-line procedure. However, it does not always provide answers to all the questions. It is thus essential to know its limitations and flaws. Ultrasound should complement the physical examination.