[Reliability of computerized axial tomography (CAT), for the evaluation of lymph node involvement in patients with infiltrating bladder tumor]. / Fiabilidad de la tomografía axial computerizada (TAC), para la valoración de la afectación de las cadenas ganglionares linfáticas en enfermos portadores de un tumor vesical infiltrante (TVI).

The present study was undertaken to determine the reliability of CAT scanning in the preoperative evaluation to detect or discard pelvic lymph node involvement in patients with infiltrating bladder tumor. We compared the radiologic findings with the results of histopathologic examination of the lymph nodes following lymphadenectomy or biopsy of nodes with gross evidence of tumor spread. A comparative study performed in 84 patients revealed a sensitivity rate of 36.3%, a specificity of 87.2%, and an accuracy rate of 66.2% for CAT scanning and, although radiologic evaluation afforded good results, pelvic lymphadenectomy continues to be the method of choice for correct staging of infiltrating bladder tumors.