Reproducibility of MRI Features of Uterine Leiomyomas: A Study on Interobserver Agreement and Inter-Method Agreement With Surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate interobserver agreement in the interpretation of different MRI features of uterine leiomyomas (UL) according to observers' experience, and to assess the inter-method reproducibility (MRI versus surgery) regarding the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification. METHODS: Retrospective study including UL patients who underwent MRI and surgical treatment. Four blinded observers (2 vs >10 years of experience) assessed UL regarding dimensions and volume; inner and outer mantles; FIGO classification; vascularization; degeneration; and diffusion-weighted imaging features. Uterine dimensions and volume were calculated. FIGO classification as ascertained by observers was compared to surgical findings. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) estimates were used for interobserver comparison of numerical variables, and kappa statistic for categorical variables. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients (26y-73y) with 61 UL were included in the interobserver analyses, and 31 patients (54 UL) had available data allowing retrospective surgical FIGO classification for assessment of inter-method reproducibility. Both groups of observers had good to excellent agreement in assessing UL (ICC = 0.980-0.994) and uterine volumes (ICC = 0.857-0.914), mantles measurement (ICC = 0.797-0.920), and apparent diffusion coefficient calculation (ICC = 0.787-0.883). There was substantial agreement for both groups regarding FIGO classification (κ = 0.645-0.767). Vascularization, degeneration and restricted diffusion had lower agreement, varying from reasonable to moderate. Inter-method agreement was reasonable (κ = 0.341-0.395). CONCLUSIONS: Interobserver agreement of MRI for UL was higher for quantitative than qualitative features, with a little impact of observers' experience for most features. MRI agreement with surgery was reasonable. Further efforts should be taken to improve interobserver and inter-method reproducibility for MRI in this scenario.

Acute spontaneous unilateral adrenal hemorrhage: etiology and imaging findings in six cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the computed tomography characteristics of patients admitted with clinical suspicion of acute adrenal hemorrhage at three centers over a 3-year period and in whom that diagnosis was ultimately confirmed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of computed tomography findings in patients with suspected acute adrenal hemorrhage. We included only those cases in which the diagnosis was confirmed. Patients with aortic rupture and retroperitoneal hemorrhage were excluded. The images were analyzed by an experienced radiologist and by two radiology residents. RESULTS: Six cases of unilateral adrenal hemorrhage (three on the left and three on the right) were analyzed. On computed tomography, each appeared as a rounded, oval mass altering the usual anatomy of the adrenal gland. The maximum diameter was 12.2 cm, and attenuation ranged from 45 to 70 HU. There was no appreciable contrast enhancement. No calcifications were observed. CONCLUSION: Adrenal hemorrhage, albeit rare, is potentially fatal. Early diagnosis is essential. Therefore, recognition of the possible presentations of these lesions by radiologists may help prevent hemorrhage from progressing to adrenal insufficiency and death.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as características de imagem na tomografia computadorizada de pacientes admitidos com suspeita clínica de hemorragia adrenal aguda em três instituições, no período de três anos, e que tiveram o diagnóstico final confirmado. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva da tomografia computadorizada de pacientes com suspeita de hemorragia adrenal aguda. Foram incluídos apenas os casos com confirmação diagnóstica. Foram excluídos os pacientes que apresentaram ruptura aórtica e hemorragia retroperitonial. As imagens foram analisadas por um radiologista experiente e dois residentes em radiologia. RESULTADOS: Este estudo analisou seis casos de hemorragia adrenal unilateral, três deles na adrenal esquerda e três na adrenal direita. Todos apresentaram-se com massa arredondada ou oval, alterando a anatomia habitual da glândula. O diâmetro máximo foi 12,2 cm e os valores de atenuação variaram de 45 a 70 UH, não se observando realce nas fases contrastadas. Não foram observadas calcificações. CONCLUSÃO: As hemorragias adrenais são raras, porém, potencialmente fatais. O diagnóstico precoce é essencial, portanto, o reconhecimento das possíveis apresentações dessas lesões pelos radiologistas pode ajudar a evitar que pacientes evoluam com insuficiência da glândula e óbito.