Computed tomography-virtual cystoscopy in the evaluation of a bladder mass: Could it replace standard conventional cystoscopy?

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the role of computed tomography-virtual cystoscopy (CT-VC) in the detection and evaluation of bladder cancer, compared to standard conventional cystoscopy (CC).Patients and methodsTwenty-five patients with a clinical presentation of a bladder mass(es) were selected from an outpatient urology clinic between May 2011 and August 2012. All patients were then assessed using multi-slice CT of the bladder, CT-VC and CC. The results were then compared amongst axial CT images, multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images, CT-VC and CC, and compared with the pathological results.ResultsForty lesions were found at CC in the 25 patients. MPR images had a greater sensitivity for detecting small masses of ⩽5 mm, and for identifying the location of the masses, especially basal (100%), than had axial images. The diagnostic results varied significantly (P = 0.031 and 0.039) between CC and axial images. The difference was slightly significant (P = 0.063) for MPR images and was not significant (P = 0.99) for virtual images.ConclusionsCompared to CC, CT-VC was much less invasive, but it was not possible to take a biopsy and provide tissue for histopathology, and it could not depict flat lesions or mucosal colour changes. Therefore, CT-VC could be considered for bladder mapping before CC, in the follow-up of patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma after transurethral resection of the tumour, in combination with urine cytology, and for patients in whom CC is difficult or contraindicated.

Computed tomography virtual cystoscopy for follow-up of patients with superficial bladder tumours in comparison to conventional cystoscopy: An exploratory study

“…In the earlier studies on virtual cystoscopy, low sensitivity rates were reported, particularly for lesions of <10 mm [4] . But recently, Gabr et al [8] reported a sensitivity of 100% for detecting bladder masses of 5–10 mm and 90% sensitivity in detecting tumours of <5 mm.…”

Urothelial bladder tumour in childhood: A report of two cases and a review

“…As for the follow-up assessments, CT and virtual cystoscopy are much less invasive [52] . For practical purposes [53–55] patients with PUNLMP should be treated similarly to patients with low-grade, noninvasive UC.…”

“…We reviewed the databases of PubMed and Hinari for reports in English, searched using the keywords ‘bladder’, ‘transitional cell carcinoma’ and ‘children’. We identified 57 articles [1–57] , comprising 127 cases ( Table 1 ). We also describe two new cases.…”

Current CT and MRI Applications in the Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer: A Review

“…Urothelial cancers are common in occupations that use paint, textiles, rubber and petroleum products. Among the chemical substances; Otoluidine, 2-naphthylamine, benzidine, 4-amino-biphenyl and nitrosamines are particularly related with the BC, it has also been reported that there is a relationship between some human papilloma virus (HPV) (especially type 16) and BCs [4]. Our objective in this systematic review is to indicate the value and aid of Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) in the diagnosis of BC.…”