Diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging compared to surgical exploration for anterior skull base and medial orbital wall infiltration in advanced sinonasal tumors

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of medial orbital wall (MOW) and anterior skull base (ASB) infiltration is of uttermost importance for staging and therapy planning of advanced sinonasal tumors.

METHODS

We assessed the diagnostic performance of preoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for MOW and ASB infiltration compared to intraoperative exploration.

RESULTS

Both CT and MRI yielded higher diagnostic accuracy for MOW infiltration (Reader 1: 83.6% CT; 89.0% MRI, Reader 2: 91.8% CT, 93.2% MRI) than for ASB infiltration (Reader 1: 82.2% CT, 82.2% MRI, Reader 2: 67.7% CT, 67.7% MRI). Both modalities were equal to the gold standard, except for ASB assessment by Reader 2 with MRI. A postoperative change of T classification is common (Reader 1: 28.8%, Reader 2: 31.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

CT and MRI are accurate methods for the assessment of MOW infiltration. ASB assessment is challenging and false-positive and false-negative findings are common with both methods, emphasizing the need for intraoperative exploration.