To analyze and summarize the imaging features of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix (SCNECC).
Methods:
A total of 22 patients with pathologically confirmed SCNECC
30 patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma and 20 patients with cervical adenocarcinoma were enrolled in this study.The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of SCNECC
cervical squamous cell carcinoma and cervical adenocarcinoma and lymph node metastasis rate were analyzed and the imaging characteristics of SCNECC were
summarized.
Results:
SCNECC on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was usually shown as high signal or slightly high signal T
2
tumor
on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was shown high signal with low ADC value
which was significantly lower than other types of cervical cancer. The lymph node metastasis rate in SCNECC group was significantly higher than those in cervical squamous cell carcinoma group and cervical adenocarcinoma group. CT often showed irregular cervical enlargement and continuous heterogeneous enhancement. Ultrasound often showed a small amount of blood flow within the heterogeneously hypoechoic mass.
Conclusion:
Combination of CT
ultrasound and MRI examinations can help to accurately diagnose SCNECC. ADC value has certain predictive role in the diagnosis of SCNECC.