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.

Documentation of normal shape and measurements of the uterine fundus at reproductive age.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of congenital uterine anomalies and the differentiation between different subtypes is based on various sets of measurements that are difficult to implement during daily workflow. PURPOSE: To describe the shape and range of measurements of the normal uterus at the fundus in women of reproductive age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on 200 pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations of female patients of reproductive age with normal uteri divided into three age groups (15-24 years, 25-34 years, 35-45 years). The shape of the endometrium and serosa were documented. The thickness from the external to the internal fundic contour and the intercornual distance were measured. RESULTS: The shape of endometrium is most commonly concave or flat but is not uncommonly convex. The shape of the serosa is convex in most cases but can be flat or concave. There is a progressive increase in thickness at the fundus with increased age with mean values of 10.8, 12.3, and 13.6 mm and ranges of 5.6-15.8 mm, 7-18.7 mm, and 7.3-19.8 mm, respectively, in the first, second, and third age groups. There is a progressive increase in intercornual distance with age with mean values of 41.4, 44.5, 47.2 mm and ranges of 30.6-50.7 mm, 31.5-57.3 mm, and 35.2-61 mm, respectively, in the first, second, and third age groups. CONCLUSION: Our study reports the range of normality in shape and measurement of the uterine fundus to aid in the detection of congenital uterine abnormalities.

Auto-amputated adnexa in a young woman: Multimodal imaging to rule in a pelvic rolling stone.

We report the case of a 26-year-old woman with a right auto-amputated adnexa and a free-floating mass in the pouch of Douglas using multimodal imaging studies including ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The absence of an ovary and the evidence of an amorphous and potentially calcified mass, with no connection to the genital tract - in particular when it is found to be mobile - are the key imaging findings. Prospective diagnosis of adnexal auto-amputation could assist surgeons in patient management with a curative laparoscopy in symptomatic women, or potentially expectant management in young women who are asymptomatic or have unrelated symptoms.

MRI and CT of sacrocolpopexy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe the surgical procedure of sacrocolpopexy as well as the normal postoperative features and complications on cross-sectional imaging, with an emphasis on MRI. CONCLUSION: Sacrocolpopexy with mesh insertion is a commonly performed operation to treat pelvic organ prolapse. MDCT and MRI are used not only to evaluate for potential complications of the procedure but also to evaluate for functional disorders and recurrent prolapse.

In vivo visualization of the levator ani muscle subdivisions using MR fiber tractography with diffusion tensor imaging.

Understanding the levator ani complex architecture is of major clinical relevance. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of magnetic resonance (MR) fiber tractography with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) as a tool for the three-dimensional (3D) representation of normal subdivisions of the levator ani. Ten young nulliparous female volunteers underwent DTI at 1.5 T MR imaging. Diffusion-weighted axial sequence of the pelvic floor was performed with additional T2-weighted multiplanar sequences for anatomical reference. Fiber tractography for visualization of each Terminologia Anatomica-listed major levator ani subdivision was performed. Numeric muscular fibers extracted after tractography were judged as accurate when localized within the boundaries of the muscle, and inaccurate when projecting out of the boundaries of the muscle. From the fiber tracking of each subdivision the number of numeric fibers (inaccurate and accurate) and a score (from 3 to 0) of the adequacy of the 3D representation were calculated. All but two volunteers completed the protocol. The mean number of accurate fibers was 17 ± 2 for the pubovisceralis, 14 ± 6 for the puborectalis and 1 ± 1 for the iliococcygeus. The quality of the 3D representation was judged as good (score = 2) for the pubovisceralis and puborectalis, and inaccurate (score = 0) for the iliococcygeus. Our study is the first step to a 3D visualization of the three major levator ani subdivisions, which could help to better understand their in vivo functional anatomy.

Comparison of coronal and axial computed tomography measurements of mediastinal nodes before primary surgery for non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To assess computed tomography (CT) evaluation of mediastinal nodes in non-small cell lung cancer to predict metastatic involvement by measurement of their axis and surface area in the coronal plane, as compared to standard short-axis measures in the axial plane. METHODS: Evaluation of mediastinal nodes was retrospectively performed on CT scans of 100 patients before thoracotomy. In all patients, mediastinal dissection was performed in the appropriate stations (n=264) according to the side (59 right, 41 left) of the tumor. Measurements of short axis and surface area of the largest node in each dissected station were performed on axial and coronal planes. RESULTS: By using the standard threshold of axial short axis ≥10 mm, sensitivity and specificity were 25% and 98%, respectively. Areas under receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.828 and 0.821 for axial short axis and axial surface area data. For comparison, areas under receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.843 and 0.845 for coronal short axis and coronal surface area data, respectively. So, for a specificity of 98%, sensitivity was 29% for coronal short axis ≥11 mm and 33% for coronal surface area ≥123 mm(2). When using axial short axis ≥10 mm or coronal surface area ≥120 mm(2), sensitivity was 45%, whereas specificity remained at 96%. CONCLUSION: Coronal measurements of mediastinal nodes give a slightly albeit non-significant improvement of diagnostic accuracy over axial ones. If both axial short axis and coronal surface area are taken into account, accuracy is improved.

A regressive Meigs syndrome after definitive adnexal torsion.

The Meigs syndrome is a rare but well known syndrome in which removal of the tumor results in cure. We report a case of a regressive Meigs syndrome after a definitive adnexal torsion which highlights the major role of the vascular phenomena in the physiopathology of this puzzling syndrome.

Characterization of papillary projections in benign versus borderline and malignant ovarian masses on conventional and color Doppler ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate on endovaginal ultrasound the morphologic and color Doppler characteristics of papillary projections in benign compared with borderline and malignant epithelial stromal ovarian tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 283 women (mean age, 52 years; age range, 20-85 years) with 343 operated adnexal masses comprising 167 epithelial stromal tumors of the ovary with 76 tumors containing papillary projections at pathology were retrospectively studied on ultrasound. We systematically evaluated the topography of the papillary projections, the morphologic features of the largest papillary projection, and the presence or absence of color Doppler findings. All these findings were correlated with macroscopic and microscopic features. RESULTS: Ultrasound detected papillary projections in 78% of tumors. Papillary projections were disseminated in 33% of malignant, 20% of borderline, and 0% of benign tumors (p = 0.0049). The mean size of the papillary projections was 9.6, 15.7, and 35.3 mm in benign, borderline, and malignant tumors, respectively (p = 0.0007). An acute angle was present in 68% of benign tumors and an obtuse angle in 40% of borderline and 89% of malignant tumors (p = 0.0001). The surface was regular in 77% of benign tumors and irregular in 50% of borderline and 88% of malignant tumors (p = 0.0000). Calcifications were present only in benign tumors (18%). For papillary projections ≥ 10 mm, color flow was present in all malignant, in 86% of borderline, and absent in all benign tumors. CONCLUSION: Association of morphologic and vascular ultrasound findings can highly suggest the diagnosis of benign or malignant papillary projection.

Variable MR findings in ovarian functional hemorrhagic cysts.

PURPOSE: To describe the magnetic resonance (MR) findings in ovarian functional hemorrhagic cysts (FHC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients with 22 FHC, proven by follow-up ultrasound (US) in 11 women and surgery in 10 women, had US and MR examinations within 24 hours. The study was limited to cysts with obvious an echogenic pattern. All patients had T2-weighted fast spin echo (FSE), T1-weighted spin echo (SE), and T1-weighted SE fat-suppressed sequences. RESULTS: Four cysts (18%) were hypointense on T1-weighted-images without and with fat suppression, and hyperintense on T2-weighted-images. Five cysts (23%) were hypointense on T1-weighted images without and with fat suppression but heterogenous on T2-weighted images. Five cysts (23%) were hypointense on T1-weighted images but showed intermediate signal intensity on T1-weighted fat suppression images and heterogenous signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Two cysts (9%) were entirely intermediate on T1-weighted images. Five cysts (23%) displayed high signal intensity occupying less than 30% of the cystic content on T1-weighted images and one cyst (5%) displayed high signal intensity occupying more than 30% of the cystic content. CONCLUSION: Despite an obvious echogenic pattern on US, 64% of FHC were hypointense on T1-weighted images and 18% were also hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Only 36% demonstrated intermediate or high signal intensity on T1-weighted images.

Vesicouterine fistulas: imaging findings in three cases.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our report is to present three cases of vesicouterine fistulas secondary to a cesarean delivery, a uterine rupture during labor, and radiation therapy. The delay between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis varied between 3 and 7 years. Different techniques such as color Doppler sonography, excretory urography, cystography, CT, MRI, cystoscopy, vaginoscopy, and hysterography were performed with variable results, mostly negative and sometimes undefined. CONCLUSION: The definitive diagnosis was made with contrast-enhanced helical CT after cystography in one case, unenhanced helical CT after hysterography in another case, and cystography in the third case. Vesicouterine fistula rarely is thought of in the differential diagnosis because of its rarity and negative results on radiologic and endoscopic tests. The diagnosis is made on imaging after opacification of the uterus or the bladder depending on the pressure gradient obtained and the location of the fistula in relation to the uterine isthmus.

Adnexal torsion: magnetic resonance findings in the viable adnexa with emphasis on stromal ovarian appearance.

PURPOSE: To evaluate ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) findings in the viable twisted adnexa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients underwent US and MR studies before surgical detorsion. Corrected cross-sectional area of the ovary was defined as cross-sectional area minus areas of cysts and follicles superior to 1 cm. On T2-weighted images, signal intensity of the stroma was graded as type 1 when it was equal to that of urine and type 2 when it was less than that of urine but markedly more than the contralateral side. RESULTS: The tube was twisted in six cases and the ovary in nine cases. All adnexa were viable. The largest ovarian cross-sectional area and the largest corrected ovarian cross-sectional area of the twisted ovary were significantly larger than those of the contralateral ovary (P = 0.043 for US; P = 0.012 and 0.017, respectively, for MR). These ovaries contained types 1 and 2 hyperintensity in six cases and only type 2 hyperintensity in three cases. Tubal thickening was seen on MR in five cases. CONCLUSION: Tubal thickening, enlargement of ovarian stroma as reflected by the corrected cross-sectional area, and hyperintensity of this stroma on T2-weighted images probably related to edema were useful findings in these viable torsions.

Deep pelvic endometriosis: MR imaging for diagnosis and prediction of extension of disease.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for the preoperative diagnosis of deep pelvic endometriosis and extension of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred ninety-five patients (mean age, 34.2 years; range, 20-71 years) who were suspected of having pelvic endometriosis were recruited at two institutions. Two experienced radiologists evaluated the MR images independently. Deep pelvic endometriosis was defined as implants or tissue masses that appeared as hypointense areas and/or hyperintense foci on T1- or T2-weighted MR images in the following locations: torus uterinus, uterosacral ligaments (USLs), vagina, rectovaginal septum, rectosigmoid, and bladder. MR imaging results were compared with surgical and pathologic findings. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and accuracy of MR imaging for prediction of deep pelvic endometriosis were assessed. RESULTS: Pelvic endometriosis was confirmed at pathologic examination in 163 (83.6%) of 195 patients. Endometriomas, peritoneal lesions, and deep pelvic endometriosis were diagnosed on the basis of surgical findings, alone or combined with pathologic findings, in 111 (68.1%), 83 (50.9%), and 103 (63.2%) of 163 patients, respectively. Torus uterinus and USL were the most frequent sites of deep pelvic endometriosis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of MR imaging for deep pelvic endometriosis were 90.3% (93 of 103), 91% (84 of 92), 92.1% (93 of 101), 89% (84 of 94), and 90.8% (177 of 195), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, respectively, of MR imaging for the diagnosis of endometriosis in specific sites were as follows: USL, 76% (57 of 75), 83.3% (100 of 120), and 80.5% (157 of 195); vagina, 76% (16 of 21), 95.4% (166 of 174), and 93.3% (182 of 195); rectovaginal septum, 80% (eight of 10), 97.8% (181 of 185), and 96.9% (189 of 195); rectosigmoid, 88% (53 of 60), 97.8% (132 of 135), and 94.9% (185 of 195); and bladder, 88% (14 of 16), 98.9% (177 of 179), and 97.9% (191 of 195). CONCLUSION: MR imaging demonstrates high accuracy in prediction of deep pelvic endometriosis in specific locations.