RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) along with the calculation of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), is a novel, non-invasive, and reliable technique of choice for accurate assessment and for the treatment planning of different types of brain tumors. It is more advantageous in the distinction and differentiation of benign from malignant meningiomas on the basis of ADC values. PURPOSE: To investigate the utility of DW magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to compare the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) obtained at two b-values for an authentic and preoperative characterization of meningiomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with clinically diagnosed or histologically verified meningioma (18 benign and 8 malignant) underwent imaging including DWI at 1.5 T. DW images were obtained at b = 1000 s/mm(2) and b = 2000 s/mm(2), ADC maps were generated at both the b-values. Signal intensities (SIs) and ADCs for solid tumorous tissues, contralateral normal tissues, and peritumoral edema were calculated and normalized ADC (NADC) ratio were determined for tumorous tissues. SI scores, ADC maps, and ADC values were analyzed visually and quantitatively, and were compared at both the b-values. RESULTS: DW images at b = 2000 s/mm(2) were more conspicuity (either hyperintense or hypointense) with improved contrast. The mean ADC of malignant meningiomas (0.64 ± 0.05 and 0.42 ± 0.03) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) as compared with benign meningiomas (1.04 ± 0.12 and 0.80 ± 0.07) at both the b-values. Mean NADC ratio in the malignant type was also significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the benign type at both the b-values. Mean ADC values for peritumoral edema do not differ between benign and malignant meningiomas. CONCLUSION: 1.5-T DWI using high b-values improved our ability to differentiate benign from malignant meningiomas. DWI may play an important role in the preoperative radiological evaluation and the recognition of these types for proper surgical treatment.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma in patients presenting with post-menopausal bleeding while taking histopathological findings as the gold standard. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was done at the Department of Radiology, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, from April 1 to September 30, 2009, and comprised 128 patients above 50 years of age having history of post-menopausal bleeding and who were referred to the department. Name, age and hospital registration number were recorded on a proforma. Doppler ultrasound was performed and endometrial thickness and uterine artery resistive index were recorded on transabdominal ultrasonography. Patients with endometrial thickness of more than 5 mm and uterine artery resistive index of less than 0.7 were considered to be having endometrial carcinoma. Histopathology findings were also recorded using the hospital registration number of the patient. The findings of Doppler ultrasound scan were validated with the findings of histopathology. RESULTS: Of the 128 patients, 48 (37.5%) were between the ages of 51 and 55 years; 46 (35.93%) were in the 56-60 age group; and 34 (26.57%) were over 65 years. On the basis of Doppler ultrasound findings, 106 (82.8%) patients were diagnosed as having endometrial carcinoma, while 22 (17.19%) were declared negative. Ultrasonography results were compared with histopathology findings. The percentages of true positive, true negative, false positive and false negative were calculated. There were 103 (80.47%) true positive; 12 (9.37%) false positive; 10 (7.81%) true negative; and 3 (2.35%) false negative. Specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were found to be 97.16%, 76%, 89.56% and 76.92% respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of Doppler ultrasonography in non-invasive diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma in patients presenting with post-menopausal bleeding was quite useful with good sensitivity, specificity, as well as positive and negative predictive values. There were no procedural complications.
