The value of computerized tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging in staging prostatic carcinoma: comparison with the clinical and histological staging.

In 21 patients adenocarcinoma of the prostate was staged preoperatively by digital rectal examination, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical staging was compared to the postoperative pathological staging. In 11 patients computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and digital rectal examination findings were concordant with the histological examination showing tumors confined to the prostate. In 10 patients no correlation between preoperative staging and histology was noted. Of these cases 8 were understaged by computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and digital rectal examination. In 1 patient magnetic resonance imaging showed false positive findings and in another staging with computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging was more accurate than digital rectal examination. Our experience indicates that computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have limited value in the preoperative staging of prostatic carcinoma. Moreover, staging with computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging does not significantly improve the information gained by digital rectal examination.