Apparent diffusion coefficient values of the normal uterus: Interindividual variations during menstrual cycle.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Gynecology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• The menstrual cycle involves significant physiological changes in the female reproductive system.
• Understanding these changes is crucial for accurate interpretation of imaging findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in the normal endometrium and myometrium across the menstrual cycle.
• To determine if ADC values differ significantly between the menstrual, proliferative, and secretory phases.

Main Methods:

• Diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed on 101 women with regular cycles.
• ADC values of the endometrium and myometrium were calculated for each phase (menstrual, proliferative, secretory).
• Statistical analysis using ANOVA and post-hoc tests identified significant differences.

Main Results:

• Endometrial ADC values showed significant differences across all three phases (menstrual, proliferative, secretory).
• Myometrial ADC values also differed significantly between the menstrual and proliferative, and proliferative and secretory phases.
• A wide variation in ADC values was observed for both uterine zones throughout the cycle.

Conclusions:

• Apparent diffusion coefficient values of the normal endometrium and myometrium exhibit considerable variation during the menstrual cycle.
• These findings underscore the importance of considering the phase of the menstrual cycle when interpreting uterine DW imaging studies.