Publication:

Correlation of magnetic resonance imaging findings with clinical staging in carcinoma of the cervix

Background Cervical carcinoma remains a significant health burden in developing countries, with accurate staging being critical for optimal management. Clinical International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging has limitations in assessing tumor extent and nodal involvement, whereas magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers improved visualization of local and regional disease. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation of MRI findings with clinical staging and assess its diagnostic accuracy in cervical carcinoma.

Methods This hospital-based retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Radiology and Imaging, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka, from October 2024 to September 2025. A total of 100 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed cervical carcinoma attending the Gynecology Oncology Department were included. Demographic, clinical, and MRI data were collected using a structured case record form.

Results The majority of patients were aged 40-49 years (32%), married (85%), and postmenopausal (63%). Clinical FIGO staging showed stage IIIB (28%) and IIB (27%) as most frequent. MRI-based staging identified stage IIIB (31%) and IIB (25%) as most common. Concordance between clinical and MRI staging was 68%, with MRI assigning a higher stage in 65.6% of discordant cases. MRI demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy: parametrial involvement (sensitivity 91%, specificity 85%), pelvic sidewall invasion (94%, 96%), bladder/rectal involvement (87%, 98%), and tumor size >4 cm (92%, 90%).

Conclusions MRI shows high concordance with clinical staging and superior detection of advanced disease, supporting its routine use for preoperative staging and treatment planning in cervical carcinoma.