[Comparison of echography and x-ray computed tomography in cancer of the ovary]

A retrospective study with an 18 month follow-up period was conducted on 184 patients (with 172 epithelial ovarian tumors) to compare the value of ultrasonography and CT for detection of pelvic masses, adenopathies, urinary stasis, hepatic metastasis and peritoneal or intestinal involvement. Ultrasound and CT findings were compared with histology data for 47 patients; ultrasound and CT data were compared with the clinical course for 53 patients. Ultrasonography was better than CT for the detection of pelvic masses, and was also slightly better for liver metastases and urinary stasis. CT was more effective for the diagnosis of lumbo-aortic and pelvic adenopathies, and peritoneal and intestinal involvement, but the sensitivity of imaging techniques remains insufficient for both of these lesion types. Combined examination by ultrasonography and CT every 6 months suffices for follow-up of patients who have undergone surgery and can evaluate tumoral response in patients treated by first-line chemotherapy.