title: MRI anatomy of parametrial extension to better identify local pathways of disease spread in cervical cancer.
abstract: This paper highlights an updated anatomy of parametrial extension with emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of disease spread in the parametrium in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. Pelvic landmarks were identified to assess the anterior and posterior extensions of the parametria, besides the lateral extension, as defined in a previous anatomical study. A series of schematic drawings and MRI images are shown to document the anatomical delineation of disease on MRI, which is crucial not only for correct image-based three-dimensional radiotherapy but also for the surgical oncologist, since neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by radical surgery is emerging in Europe as a valid alternative to standard chemoradiation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiological Sciences, Institute of Radiology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. alvalentini@rm.unicatt.it.
authors.forename: Anna Lia
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Valentini
authors.forename: Benedetta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gui
authors.forename: Maura
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Miccò
authors.forename: Michela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Giuliani
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rodolfino
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ninivaggi
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Iacobucci
authors.forename: Marzia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marino
authors.forename: Maria Antonietta
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Gambacorta
authors.forename: Antonia Carla
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Testa
authors.forename: Gian Franco
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Zannoni
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bonomo
mesh_terms: D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology