MRI classification of uterosacral ligament involvement in endometriosis: the Hôtel-Dieu classification.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish the first-ever MRI classification of uterosacral ligament (USL) involvement in deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), based on reliable preoperative MRI features correlated with positive predictive values (PPVs) determined through histopathological analysis. METHODS: Twenty-two women underwent surgery with histopathology due to symptoms highly suggestive of endometriosis. The 22 preoperative MRIs were analysed retrospectively, blinded to histopathology, and a classification of the preoperative aspect of USLs linked to PPVs was designed. RESULTS: According to their aspects, 6 radiological types of USL were identified. The "L-category" corresponded to linear types with regular or irregular margins, including types 1, 2, 3A, and 3B. The "N-category" corresponded to haemorrhagic or nodular types, including types 4, 5A, 5B, and 6. For the L-category, PPVs ranged from 75% to 88%, depending on the USL radiological type. For the N-category, PPVs were 100% for each type. In women with endometriosis symptoms, MRI underestimated USL involvement, especially for type 1. Among the 6 uteri with lateral deviation, only one false-positive result concerning the stretched USL was induced. CONCLUSIONS: In women with endometriosis symptoms, our MRI classification identified 2 USL categories, corresponding to 2 kinds of PPV; in these symptomatic patients, a normal MRI does not rule out a DIE diagnosis. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Our MRI classification of USL involvement in endometriosis may be used as a non-invasive staging of the disease, making it much clearer for clinicians and patients. Hence, we are able to propose a suitable diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for each radiological type.

Uterine Sarcomas: Are There MRI Signs Predictive of Histopathological Diagnosis? A 50-Patient Case Series with Pathological Correlation.

PURPOSE: To make clear distinction between two radiological types of uterine sarcomas. METHODS: 50 preoperative MRI were analyzed retrospectively, blinded to histopathology: 11 endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS), 19 leiomyosarcomas (LMS), 18 carcinosarcomas/malignant mixed Mullerian tumors (MMMT), and 2 smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP). RESULTS: According to their locations, two radiological types of sarcomas were identified: type 1: intracavitary (ESS, MMMT) and type 2: intramyometrial (LMS, STUMP). In both types, all tumors displayed intermediate T2-weighted signal (p < 0.001) and high diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) b1000 signal (p < 0.001). Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI showed intratumoral pathologic vessels (98%) and heterogeneity at venous phase (p < 0.001). In the type 1 subgroup, all tumors displayed local spread: invasion of junctional zone on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), irregular margins on DWI, and disruption of arcuate arteries subendometrial ring on DCE-MRI. In the type 2 subgroup, all tumors displayed irregular margins on T2WI, DWI, and DCE-MRI. Tumor heterogeneity was due to necrosis (p < 0.001). Most commonly the tumor was single (61%). In both types, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) lesser than or equal to 0.86 × 10-3 mm2/s (sensitivity = 73%, specificity = 92%) was suggestive of malignancy. CONCLUSION: It may be feasible to get close to histological type of a uterine sarcoma based on our topographic classification into two radiological subgroups, corresponding to two kinds of diagnostic difficulties. Advances in knowledge. MRI signs suggestive of histopathological malignancy are identifiable, considering the triad T2WI/DWI/DCE-MRI, easily for type 1 but less easily for type 2; the threshold value for ADC is 0.86 × 10-3 mm2/s.

Association between a Primitive Brain Tumor and Cerebral Aspergillosis.

Cerebral aspergillosis is a rare pathology of poor prognosis in spite of the use of adapted antifungal treatments. This infection of the central nervous system is generally the complication of an invasive aspergillosis with hematogenic scattering from pulmonary focal spots. It can arise in immunocompetent patients treated with prolonged corticotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for cancer. A case of lethal cerebral aspergillosis in a patient with an infiltrative glioma treated with corticotherapy and radiotherapy is reported. Clinicopathological aspects and therapeutic approach are described.