Abstract
METHODS
In 39 patients, 60 lymph nodes with on MRI a minimal axial diameter of more than 1cm or an inhomogeneous enhancement were studied. Two radiologists evaluated all MR-images for findings potentially indicative of the presence of ENS. Sensitivity, specificity and odds ratios based on logistic regression were calculated.
CONCLUSION
The MRI finding "infiltration of adjacent planes" may be high enough (100% in our study) to be used for treatment planning.
RESULTS
On MR-imaging, 20 lymph nodes were staged positive for ENS. On histopathology, 30 nodes were positive for ENS. In total, 14 nodes (23%) were scored differently on MR-imaging and histopathology. The MR-finding "infiltration of adjacent planes" established a specificity of 100% (lower 90% confidence bound: 91%) and sensitivity of 50% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28-72%).
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study is to determine a set of MRI lymph node characteristics predictive for extranodal tumor spread (ENS) in head and neck cancer patients.