The accuracy of multi-detector computed tomography and laparoscopy in the prediction of peritoneal carcinomatosis index score in primary ovarian cancer

Abstract

Rationale and objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of MDCT and laparoscopy in the prediction of peritoneal carcinomatosis index score. Reproducibility of MDCT interpretation was also assessed.

Methods: This prospective study included 85 ovarian cancer patients underwent MDCT and diagnostic laparoscopy before cytoreductive surgery. We calculated the accuracy of diagnostic modalities in the calculation of the peritoneal cancer index score (PCI). Radiologist interobserver agreement was calculated using kappa statistics.

Results: Nine hundred-thirty (84.2%) of the 1105 regions had peritoneal deposits at exploratory laparotomy. Computed tomography (CT) and laparoscopy sensitivity were 94.9%, 98.3%, specificity 86.7%, 80.4%, PPV 97.9 %, 96.8%, NPV 72.2%, 88.8 %, and accuracy 93.8 %, 95.7%, respectively. However, computed tomography (CT) diagnostic performance is less accurate than laparoscopy in pelvic and small intestinal regions; no statistically significant differences were evident regarding total PCI score compared to surgery (p> 0.05). CT and laparoscopy correctly depicted peritoneal carcinomatosis in 88.2%, 90.6% of patients, respectively. Optimal cytoreduction was achieved in 68 (80%) patients.

Conclusion: Both CT and laparoscopy seems to be effective tools for assessment of peritoneal carcinomatosis using the PCI score. Dedicated MDCT protocol with routine use of a standardized PCI form may provide better comprehensive multi-regional analysis that may help surgeons referring patients to the best treatment option. Laparoscopy is a valuable tool in cases with a high risk of suboptimal cytoreduction related to disease extent.

Keywords: Cytoreduction Surgical Procedures; Laparoscopy; Neoplasm Metastasis; Ovarian Neoplasms.