[Bladder and rectal infiltration by uterine carcinomas: the accuracy of CT and MRI compared to endoscopic procedures]

To establish the value of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting bladder and rectum involvement in uterine carcinoma.

6 different imaging signs (focal obliteration of perivesical or perirectal fat planes, area and angle of contact between uterus and bladder or rectum, asymmetric bladder or rectum wall thickening, evidence of intraluminal masses, and signal intensity of bladder or rectum wall on T2-weighted or contrast-enhanced MR images) were analysed retrospectively in 129 patients who underwent 92 CT and/or 64 MRI examinations. The data were correlated with intraoperative findings and the results of cystoscopy and rectoscopy.

Asymmetric wall thickening, evidence of intraluminal masses and increased signal intensities of the bladder wall or rectum wall were valuable signs of infiltration (sensitivity 71-100%, specificity 91-96% and accuracy 89-97%). In 27 patients submitted to both imaging examinations MRI was somewhat superior compared to CT (p > 0.1) and yielded similar results as endoscopic procedures (accuracy of cystoscopy and rectoscopy of 90% and 94%, respectively).

CT and MRI allow to predict involvement of bladder or rectum wall in carcinoma of the uterus with a similar accuracy as endoscopic procedures.