Differentiation between benign and malignant ovarian masses using multiparametric MRI

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Ovarian masses require accurate differentiation between benign and malignant types for appropriate patient management.
• Multiparametric MRI offers advanced imaging capabilities beyond conventional methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of multiparametric MRI, including dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) perfusion and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), in differentiating benign from malignant ovarian masses.
• To assess the diagnostic performance of specific MRI parameters in classifying ovarian tumors.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 43 women with ovarian masses undergoing multiparametric MRI (DWI and DCE perfusion).
• Comparison of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), b-800 values from DWI, and volume transfer coefficient (K^trans), rate constant (K_ep), interstitial volume (V_e), and initial area under the curve (iAUC) from DCE imaging between benign and malignant masses.

Main Results:

• Malignant ovarian masses showed significantly lower ADC and higher b-800 values compared to benign masses (P=0.011, P=0.010).
• DCE parameters revealed significantly higher K^trans, K_ep, and iAUC in malignant tumors (P=0.002, P=0.003, P=0.001).
• Logistic regression indicated increased malignancy risk with ADC ≤0.93×10^-3 mm²/s and iAUC ≥13.88 mM/min.

Conclusions:

• Multiparametric MRI demonstrates high accuracy in discriminating between benign and malignant ovarian masses.
• Integrating DWI and DCE perfusion into standard MRI protocols can improve the selection of treatment options for ovarian masses.