Adnexal masses: transvaginal US and gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging assessment of intratumoral structure.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound (US) and gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the assessment of the intratumoral structure of an adnexal mass.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The population comprised 82 patients with an adnexal mass who underwent both transvaginal US and gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging and had surgical confirmation. The findings from both modalities were compared retrospectively with those of surgery.

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 100%, 98%, and 99% with MR imaging and were 97%, 46%, and 68% with transvaginal US for the identification of solid tissue in the masses. Transvaginal US exhibited many (n = 25) false-positive results, especially in evaluation of lesions filled with blood or fatty tissue and small echogenic excrescences adherent to the wall, such as blood or fatty tissue.

CONCLUSION

Both transvaginal US and gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging were highly sensitive in identification of solid components within an adnexal mass. Gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging was specific, whereas transvaginal US was nonspecific.