MRI as a Monitoring Tool for Detecting Therapeutic Response in the Recurrence of Carcinoma Cervix

Abstract

Background: Carcinoma cervix recurrence is difficult to assess clinically, and MRI offers superior soft tissue evaluation.

Methods: A hospital-based observational study was conducted on 44 post-treatment cases using T2W, DWI, and contrast MRI sequences. Clinical findings were correlated with imaging to determine diagnostic accuracy.

Results: MRI identified 22 recurrent lesions, including cases missed clinically. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 88.89%, 30%, and 57.89% respectively. The T2W+DWI combination diagnosed all recurrences and excluded false positives, while contrast had limited added value. MRI also detected nodal recurrence in one case without a pelvic mass.

Conclusion: MRI, especially T2W with DWI, is a reliable tool for post-treatment surveillance of carcinoma cervix, aiding early detection of recurrence and avoiding overtreatment.