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Ovarian teratomas: a comparison of the sonographic appearance in prepubertal and postpubertal girls
1Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110.
Insights
Sonography reveals that ovarian teratomas present differently in young girls compared to adolescents. Typical sonographic features like mural nodules and acoustic shadowing are more common in postpubertal girls with these benign ovarian tumors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Gynecologic Ultrasound
- Oncology
Background:
- Benign cystic teratomas are common ovarian neoplasms in children.
- Sonographic features can aid in differentiating ovarian masses.
- Age-related differences in teratoma presentation may exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the sonographic appearance of ovarian teratomas in prepubertal versus postpubertal girls.
- To assess the frequency of characteristic features such as mural nodules and acoustic shadowing based on age.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective sonographic analysis of 18 benign cystic teratomas in 17 pediatric patients.
- Categorization of patients into prepubertal (<13 years) and postpubertal (≥13 years) groups.
- Evaluation for specific sonographic findings: mural nodules, acoustic shadowing, and fluid/fluid levels.
Main Results:
- In prepubertal girls (n=8), 38% had mural nodules and 13% had acoustic shadowing.
- In postpubertal girls (n=10), 70% had mural nodules and 70% had acoustic shadowing.
- Complex lesions were more frequent in postpubertal girls (70%) compared to prepubertal girls (63%).
Conclusions:
- Sonographic features of ovarian teratomas, including mural nodules and acoustic shadowing, are more prevalent in postpubertal girls.
- These findings suggest age-dependent variations in the sonographic presentation of benign cystic teratomas.
- Ultrasound is valuable in characterizing ovarian teratomas and may reveal age-specific patterns.
Abstract:
Sonography was performed in 17 pediatric patients with 18 benign cystic teratomas of the ovary in order to compare the appearance of this entity in prepubertal and postpubertal girls. Particular attention was paid to the frequency of the characteristic features of this lesion, particularly mural nodules and acoustic shadowing. Of the eight lesions in children less than 13 years old, five were complex lesions and three were cystic. Mural nodules were found in three (38%) of eight lesions and acoustic shadowing in one (13%). Of the 10 lesions in the patients 13 years old or more, seven were complex and three were solid. Seven (70%) of 10 lesions contained a mural nodule, seven (70%) had acoustic shadowing, and one (10%) had a fluid/fluid level. Our experience suggests that typical sonographic features of ovarian teratomas occur more frequently in postpubertal than prepubertal girls.