Journal List > Korean J Urol > v.48(4) > 1004894

Jung, Kang, Shin, Kwon, Park, and Ryu: Usefulness of Virtual Cystoscopy using a 64-channel Multidetector-row Computed Tomography Scanner for Detecting Bladder Tumors

Abstract

Purpose

We evaluated the clinical usefulness of air filled axial computed tomography (CT) images and virtual cystoscopy (VC) with using a 64-channel multidetector-row CT (MDCT) scanner for the detection of bladder tumors.

Materials and Methods

Fifty-nine patients who displayed gross hematuria or a clinical suspicion of bladder tumor were scanned using a 64-channel MDCT scanner. The unenhanced CT images of the urinary bladder were obtained, with the patients in the supine and prone positions, following drainage of urine and distension of the bladder with approximately 300-500cc of room air through a urethral catheter. The CT data were transferred to a workstation for reconstructing the VC images. Two radiologists independently interpreted the axial and virtual images, and discrepancies were resolved by working in consensus. The results of the VC were compared with the findings of conventional cystoscopy or the operative findings.

Results

Abnormal findings were identified by the axial CT images and VC in 54 (91.5%) patients. All bladder lesions demonstrated with the VC were seen on conventional cystoscopy. On the VC, lesions greater or equal to 1.4mm in diameter could be identified. But there were 3 false negative findings in cases of sessile masses smaller than 5mm and cases with a trabeculated bladder. There were no false-positive findings. The sensitivity of the technique was 100% for tumors larger than 0.5cm.

Conclusions

VC with using 64-channel MDCT scanner was very accurate at identifying masses larger than 0.5cm and it can show a mass as small as 1.4mm. Bladder tumors can be diagnosed less invasively using air-filled VC. However, in the case with severe bladder trabeculation or wall thickening, we recommend conventional cystoscopy rather than VC.

Figures and Tables

Fig. 1
Virtual cystoscopic (A) and axial CT (B) images reveal polypoid lesions arising from the right posterolateral wall of the bladder.
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Fig. 2
Virtual cystoscopic (A), axial CT (B) and conventional cystoscopic (C) images demonstrate a 17mm sized polypoid lesion on the left posterolateral wall.
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Fig. 3
False negative case. Virtual cystoscopic (A) and axial CT (B) images demonstrate bladder trabeculation only, but conventional cystoscopic image demonstrates a 5mm papillary lesion on the right lateral wall.
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Table 1
Characteristics of patients
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TUR-BT: transurethral resection of bladder tumor

Table 2
Finding of virtual cystoscopy
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VC: virtual cystoscopy

Table 3
Biopsy and T stage of lesions demonstrated with VC
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PUNLMP: papillary urothelial tumor (neoplasm) of low malignant potential. Superficial BT: Ta, T1 bladder tumors, invasive BT: T2, T3, T4 bladder tumors

Table 4
Finding of false negative cases
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VC: virtual cystoscopy, CC: conventional cystoscopy

Table 5
Sensitivity and specificity of virtual cystoscopy according to the size of bladder lesion
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Kwangsung Park
https://orcid.org/http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8827-162X

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