Nineteen patients with histologically proved cervical carcinoma were evaluated with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Clinical, MR, and surgical findings were compared to determine accuracy and clinical usefulness of MR in demonstrating mass and extent of disease. MR imaging enabled clear differentiation of corpus uteri, cervix, vagina, uterine ligaments, and tumor. Tumor was demonstrated as a high-intensity mass deforming the low-intensity cervix; the low background intensity of normal structures provided high contrast to the mass. MR imaging accurately demonstrated the tumor in all ten patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma and showed a normal cervix in nine patients with early cancer. On sagittal images, the shape of corpus uteri, cervix, and vagina, and their relationship to the mass were clearly assessed, with their long axes usually in a single plane. On axial images, assessment of parametrial tumor extension was facilitated by clear definition of the low-intensity cervix and uterine ligaments. Although more study is needed to determine the accuracy of MR in staging, MR is a promising method in evaluating cervical carcinoma.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed in eight healthy volunteers and 30 patients with histologically and endocrinologically proved thyroid diseases. The use of a surface coil greatly improved spatial resolution, and normal anatomic structures were well demonstrated. In thyroid tumors, the margin, pseudocapsule, and lymph nodes were easily detected. Smooth margins, lobulated margins, and pseudocapsules were found in both adenoma and papillary carcinoma, whereas unclear margins were found only in papillary carcinoma. An unclear margin between the tumor and adjacent normal thyroid tissue seemed to reflect an ill-defined tumor border on gross pathologic examination. Metastatic lymph nodes as small as 3 mm were seen. Identification of small vessels enabled detection of dilated vessels in thyroid parenchyma in patients with Graves disease. Hemorrhage (hemorrhagic degeneration) was often found in adenoma, papillary carcinoma, and adenomatous goiter, resulting in variable signal intensity.

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The authors explored the capability of high-field-strength surface coil magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in disclosing the gross pathologic characteristics of thyroid masses (especially pseudocapsular and hemorrhagic degeneration). Twenty-four patients were examined, including 12 with papillary carcinoma, eight with adenoma, and four with adenomatous goiter. All patients underwent surgery within 2 days after MR imaging. Specimens were cut and correlated directly with MR images. The appearance of the pseudocapsule was classified into four types: A, intact and even thickness around the tumor; B, only partially present or even absent; C, intact but with uneven thickness; D, partially destroyed by tumor. MR imaging findings corresponded precisely with those of gross pathologic examination in all cases but four of adenoma. Type A pseudocapsules were found only in adenoma and type D only in papillary carcinoma. Although the number of cases in the series was limited, the authors conclude that MR images reflect gross pathologic findings well and that some characteristic findings are suggestive of benign or malignant disease.

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