Computed tomography of gestational trophoblastic disease

Twenty-two patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) were examined by CT of the abdomen and pelvis to assess the usefulness of CT in the detection and staging of GTN. The most common manifestations of GTN by CT were an enlarged uterus in 16 of 20 patients (80%) with bilateral adnexal cysts in 12 of 22 patients (54%). Contrast enhancement of the uterus was inhomogeneous and the cysts were usually unilocular, ranging in size from 1.0 to 6.0 cm. Metastases were found in 13 of 22 cases (59%). Local extension into the broad ligament was present in 5 of 22 cases (23%). Pelvic or periaortic adenopathy or both was not present. Only one patient had liver metastases. We conclude that CT is a valuable tool in the evaluation of patients with GTN.