Value of dynamic enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for distinguishing between ovarian fibroma and subserous uterine leiomyoma.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly, dynamic MRI, in distinguishing ovarian fibromas from subserous uterine leiomyomas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifteen ovarian fibromas and 15 subserous uterine leiomyomas were retrospectively reviewed. All MR examinations included dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) sequences. Morphological criteria (size, T1 and T2 signals, ovarian tissue, associated uterine leiomyoma, and pelvic fluid), arterial vessels, time-intensity curves (maximal enhancement and signal intensity at 30, 60, and 90 seconds), and signal intensity on delayed T1-weighted images were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

No significant difference in morphological criteria was noted between the 2 types of masses. Visualization of arterial vessels was more frequent in uterine leiomyomas than in ovarian fibromas (P= 0.002). The DCE MR enhancement rate was higher for uterine leiomyomas than for ovarian fibromas in terms of both maximal enhancement (P < 0.001) and enhancement rate at 30 (P = 0.009), 60 (P = 0.007), and 90 seconds (P = 0.0009). On delayed T1 postcontrast sequence, no statistical difference exists between signal intensity of ovarian fibromas and uterine leiomyomas.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that DCE MRI can distinguish ovarian fibromas from uterine leiomyomas and should be used if sonography fails to show the origin of a pelvic mass.