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PET-CT findings in surgically transposed ovaries.
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel.
The British Journal of Radiology
|February 21, 2006
Summary
Surgically transposed ovaries can appear as masses on PET/CT scans, sometimes showing increased 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake due to preserved function. Awareness is key to prevent misdiagnosis as tumors in young women.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Gynecology
Background:
- Surgical transposition of ovaries is performed for fertility preservation.
- Ovarian transposition can alter the typical appearance and metabolic activity of ovaries on imaging.
- Accurate interpretation of PET/CT scans is crucial in patients with transposed ovaries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) findings of surgically transposed ovaries.
- To highlight the potential for misinterpretation of transposed ovaries on PET/CT scans.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of PET/CT and abdominal imaging studies in seven women (aged 28-43) with 11 transposed ovaries.
- Analysis of transposed ovarian location and 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) avidity on PET/CT.
- Correlation of imaging findings with menstrual cycle phase where possible.
Main Results:
- Transposed ovaries were located in the iliac fossa, paracolic gutter, or anterior abdominal cavity.
- Ovaries appeared as soft-tissue density masses, with one cystic.
- Three patients showed increased FDG uptake (SUV 2.4-4.8), varying between studies and potentially related to the menstrual cycle phase.
Conclusions:
- Surgically transposed ovaries can mimic masses on PET/CT, occasionally exhibiting increased FDG uptake reflecting preserved function.
- Radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians must consider ovarian transposition in young women to avoid misdiagnosing these findings as malignancy.
- Understanding the imaging characteristics of transposed ovaries is essential for accurate diagnosis.