[Value of computerized tomography in detection of lymph node metastases in bladder cancer]

The accuracy of computed tomography (CT) in staging of pelvic lymph nodes in bladder cancer was investigated in 50 patients. All patients underwent pelvic lymph node dissection and cystectomy. The results of preoperative CT findings were compared with the histopathological findings in the dissected lymph nodes. Normal lymph nodes free of tumour cells were found in 32 patients. In 6 patients, single lymph node involvement was detected, while in 12 patients two or more lymph nodes were found to be positive for tumour infiltration. CT results were confirmed in 38 patients (76%). Specificity of CT was 100%, but the sensitivity of this method was only 33%. Based on these results, it appears that CT evaluation of pelvic lymph nodes in bladder cancer patients should have only a limited impact on decision making in patient management.