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Paraovarian cyst: MR imaging features.
1Department of Radiology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minamikogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan.
Abdominal Imaging
|October 24, 2002
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can help diagnose paraovarian cysts by identifying the normal ipsilateral ovary adjacent to the cyst. This finding is crucial for differentiating these common pelvic masses.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gynecologic Imaging
- Pelvic Neoplasms
Background:
- Paraovarian cysts are frequent intrapelvic neoplasms.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings for paraovarian cysts have not been previously reported.
- This study aimed to describe the MR imaging spectrum of paraovarian cysts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and characterize the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of paraovarian cysts.
- To identify key MR findings that aid in the diagnosis of paraovarian cysts.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of MR images from 16 patients with 18 paraovarian cysts.
- Evaluation of cyst size, location, cystic nature, and signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images.
- Assessment of the visualization of the normal ovary on the affected side.
Main Results:
- The normal ipsilateral ovary was visualized in 13 of 18 cases.
- In 4 cases, the cyst was separate from the ovary; in 7, it abutted the ovary while maintaining its shape.
- The 'beak sign' was observed in 2 cases at the cyst-ovary interface; other MR features were largely nonspecific.
Conclusions:
- Paraovarian cysts typically appear as homogeneous cystic masses near the ipsilateral round ligament and uterus.
- Demonstrating a normal ipsilateral ovary adjacent to, but separate from, an adnexal cyst is a significant MR finding for diagnosis.
- These MR imaging characteristics aid in distinguishing paraovarian cysts from other pelvic masses.