Role of 256 and 128 Slice Multidetector Computed Tomography Scan (MDCT) in the Staging of Urinary Bladder Cancer with...

Urinary bladder cancer primarily affects older adults and remains a significant global health issue. Imaging modalities, especially multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), play a critical role in preoperative staging. This study evaluates the efficacy of 128- and 256-slice MDCT scanners in staging urinary bladder cancer and correlates findings with histopathological reports.

This cross-sectional observational study included 60 patients with biopsy-proven bladder cancer undergoing MDCT scans and radical cystectomy. Parameters such as bladder wall thickening, perivesical fat involvement, and nodal status were evaluated. The results were compared with histopathological reports to determine sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.

MDCT identified perivesical fat involvement with 93.1% sensitivity and prostate involvement with 95.34% sensitivity. Staging accuracy for T2 and T3 diseases was 87.1% and 85%, respectively. Nodal staging revealed an overall accuracy of 80% for N0 and 88.3% for N1 disease.

MDCT demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy in local staging, particularly for advanced disease. The modality's utility in identifying perivesical extension and adjacent organ involvement is noteworthy. Although sensitivity for nodal involvement was limited, MDCT remains invaluable for preoperative staging in resource-limited settings.

MDCT is a reliable, accessible imaging modality for urinary bladder cancer staging, providing critical insights for surgical planning and management.