Knowledge-based system ADNEXPERT to assist the sonographic diagnosis of adnexal tumors

ADNEXPERT is a knowledge-based system for the computer-assisted ultrasound diagnosis of adnexal tumors. In a case-based approach, ADNEXPERT used histopathologic and sonographic data from 2,290 adnexal tumors. After an ultrasound examination, the gynecologist interacts with the system. A maximum of 15 questions are posed; all but one question (age) relate to the sonographic findings. The help system gives online access to an ultrasound image library. Once the dialogue is complete, ADNEXPERT assesses the adnexal tumor pathology and makes a histological classification. A certainty factor (CF) model is used for knowledge representation. The CFs of the knowledge base are computed from the case database. During system evaluation, the accuracy of ADNEXPERT was tested by 69 new adnexal tumor cases, for which verified histopathological diagnoses were available. ADNEXPERT accurately assessed pathology in 49 cases (71%); in 10 cases (14%) correct indications to pathology were given; no diagnostic hints were attained in 2 cases (3%); and 8 cases (12%) were falsely diagnosed. Based on the positive results of the evaluation, ADNEXPERT will be tested under clinical conditions.

Hysteroscopy, hysterosalpingography and tubal ostial polyps in infertility patients

OBJECTIVE

To compare the findings in infertility patients who underwent preoperative hysterosalpingography (HSG) followed by hysteroscopy and to determine the incidence of tubal ostial polyps, their HSG appearance and the results of hysteroscopic resection in our patient population.

STUDY DESIGN

Sixty-eight infertility patients were evaluated by HSG followed by hysteroscopy. HSG diagnoses were divided into groups: group 1, normal; group 2, bilateral tubal occlusion; group 3, unilateral tubal occlusion; group 4, filling defects; and group 5, abnormal cavity. HSG findings were compared to the hysteroscopy findings. For patients in whom tubal ostial polyps were found, the findings were described, including postsurgical interval to conception.

RESULTS

The agreement rates were 90%, 50%, 69%, 73% and 71% for groups 1-5, respectively. The positive predictive value of an abnormal HSG was 65%, and the negative predictive value of a normal HSG was 90%. Six of 68 patients (11.3%) had polyps at the fallopian tube ostium. Three of these patients (50%) had had the finding of proximal tubal occlusion on the ipsilateral side predicted by HSG; three had had normal HSGs. Four of the six conceived following polypectomy. The mean interval from surgery to conception was 4.5 months.

CONCLUSION

HSG was a specific but not sensitive predictor of uterine pathology in our patient population. Tubal ostial polyps may occur in a significant proportion of infertility patients and can cause proximal tubal occlusion on HSG. Their possible contribution to infertility and clinical significance deserve further investigation.

Classification of adnexal tumors by transvaginal color Doppler

The purpose was to evaluate the validity of transvaginal color Doppler sonography for differentiating between benign and malignant ovarian tumors. Color Doppler and Duplex measurements were obtained in 212 (144 benign, 68 malignant) ovarian and tubarian tumors preoperatively. One hundred and thirty-one patients were postmenopausal and 81 premenopausal. An ATL UM9/HDI was used. The following criteria were analyzed: minimum and mean resistance index and pulsatility index, number and distribution of tumor arteries, diastolic notch, and the maximum, minimum, mean, and sum of all peak systolic, maximum enddiastolic, and time-average maximum velocities. Most criteria showed highly significant differences between benign and malignant tumors with variable overlaps. RImin gives a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 69%, and accuracy of 75% for postmenopausal patients and 80, 59, and 67% for pre- and postmenopausal patients, respectively. PImin gives equivalent results. The number of tumor arteries and the maximum flow velocities increase the accuracy. The summation of all flow velocities gives the best result with a sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 85%, and accuracy of 87% for postmenopausal and 91, 76, and 80% for pre- and postmenopausal tumors, respectively. Flow data show no relevant differences between low malignant potential tumors and ovarian carcinomas. Serous cystadenomas and benign teratomas show higher differences than mucinous cystadenomas, functional cysts, and endometriomas in comparison to malignancies. A separate analysis of pre- and postmenopausal tumors is important. Differentiation seemed better for post- than for premenopausal tumors. The four flow criteria (RImin, number of tumor arteries, and maximum and sum of all peak systolic velocities) seemed appropriate for tumor differentiation. However, this study confirms that a single measurement is not sufficient to differentiate ovarian lesions. Measurements of flow velocities (e.g., maximum and sum of all peak systolic velocities) are superior compared with RImin and PImin.

Paraovarian and paratubal cysts: preoperative diagnosis using transabdominal and transvaginal sonography

OBJECTIVE

Paraovarian and paratubal cysts constitute about 10% of adnexal masses. Our purpose was to determine whether pathologically proven examples of these lesions were correctly identified during preoperative transabdominal and transvaginal sonographic evaluations.

METHODS

Between 1990 and 1994, 15 women with 10 paraovarian cysts and 5 paratubal cysts undewent preoperative sonography. The sonograms were performed using transabdominal and transvaginal probes. Mean interval before surgery was 22 days (range: 1-96 days). The sonographic interpretation at the time of the examination was correlated with the pathological findings.

RESULTS

In only 1 of 15 patients was a paraovarian or paratubal cyst suggested before surgery. Paraovarian cysts were misdiagnosed as ovarian cysts. Because of the microscopic size of paratubal cysts in our series, none was diagnosed before surgery and these were usually an incidental finding in patients with ovarian masses.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, paraovarian and paratubal cysts are difficult to diagnose before surgery with the use of transabdominal and transvaginal sonography. We speculate that when there is close proximity of a paraovarian cyst to the ovary, an ovarian cystic mass cannot reliably be differentiated from a paraovarian cyst.

Ultrasonographic appearance of fallopian tube carcinoma

Preoperative diagnosis of tubal carcinoma is difficult and a diagnosis cannot usually be established until the time of operation. However, since prognosis is strictly related to the stage of the neoplasm, it is very important to be familiar with the clinical and imaging characteristics of primary fallopian tube carcinoma in order to make an early and accurate diagnosis. This report presents the ultrasonographic features of three cases of fallopian tube carcinoma and reviews the literature on the subject.

Adnexal masses: accuracy of characterization with transvaginal US and precontrast and postcontrast MR imaging

PURPOSE

To determine the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and of precontrast and contrast material-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the differentiation of adnexal masses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five blinded readers analyzed images of 80 masses in 72 patients. MR and TVUS images were interpreted in separate sessions. Findings were confirmed at surgery or laparoscopy.

RESULTS

Higher diagnostic accuracy was attained with MR imaging in mature cystic teratomas and endometriomas. However, better accuracy was achieved with contrast-enhanced MR imaging and TVUS in simple cysts, cystadenomas, and malignant tumors because internal details could be visualized. Receiver operating characteristic study indicated that observer confidence was significantly higher with contrast-enhanced MR imaging than with precontrast MR imaging (P = .011) or TVUS (P = .002) in the differentiation of benign and malignant masses.

CONCLUSION

Contrast-enhanced MR imaging is superior to precontrast MR and TVUS imaging in the characterization and differentiation of adnexal masses.

Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata

Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata is a very rare disorder. The number of cases documented in the literature is only 44. Of these cases, only one was in the postmenopausal period. We report a new case of leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata in a postmenopausal woman.

Leiomyomas of the fallopian tube. A case report

Both heterotopic pregnancies and primary neoplasms of the fallopian tube are rare occurrences. A patient presented with early pregnancy, abdominal pain and ultrasound findings of an intrauterine gestation and a fallopian tube mass. Laparotomy revealed a primary leiomyoma of the fallopian tube.

Whole-body positron emission tomography with (fluorine-18)-2-deoxyglucose can detect metastatic carcinoma of the fallopian tube

Distant sites of metastatic fallopian tube carcinoma, including humerus, umbilicus, and groin, were clearly imaged with FDG-PET; the surgical-pathologic correlations are presented. In disorders such as ovarian or fallopian tube cancer, where a reliable means of diagnosing persistent or recurrent disease remains elusive, PET scanning offers another approach to this problem. Based on the increased rate of glucose metabolism in tumors, this modality focuses on the biochemical differences between malignant tissues and their normal counterparts in order to demonstrate positive findings on imaging. Potential uses of PET scanning in gynecologic oncology are presented.

Primary malignant tumor of the fallopian tube: appearance at CT and MR imaging

Primary malignancy of the fallopian tube is a rare entity. To determine the radiologic characteristics of the tumor, 10 patients with pathologically confirmed fallopian tube malignancy (nine with adenocarcinoma and one with mixed müllerian tumor) underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and computed tomography (CT). With both CT and MR imaging, the lesion appeared relatively small, solid, and lobulated when not associated with hydrosalpinx. At CT, the lesion had an attenuation equal to that of other nonspecific soft-tissue masses and enhanced less than myometrium. On T1-weighted MR images the tumor was usually hypointense, and on T2-weighted images the tumor was most often homogeneously hyperintense. Associated CT and MR imaging findings were peritumoral ascites (four cases), intrauterine fluid collection (two cases), and hydrosalpinx (one case). MR findings allowed the lesion to be distinguished from uterine leiomyoma in three cases in which pelvic examination, ultrasound, and CT findings were equivocal.

Partial hydatidiform mole in the fallopian tube

An extremely rare case of partial hydatidiform mole located in the right Fallopian tube was diagnosed by ultrasonography and computed tomography. The lesion was excised, and the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) level in early morning urine fell below 1,000 IU/ml on postoperative day 11, and the serum HCG-beta level normalized on postoperative day 46.

Preoperative diagnosis of primary fallopian tube carcinoma by transvaginal ultrasound, cytological finding and CA-125

Primary Fallopian tube carcinoma is rarely diagnosed preoperatively. We present the case of a 69-year-old woman with primary tubal carcinoma, which was diagnosed preoperatively on the basis of the cytological finding, characteristic features on transvaginal sonography, transvaginal color flow imaging and elevated CA-125. Transvaginal color Doppler imaging demonstrated the tumor revealed areas of neovascularization with characteristic low impedance (resistance index, 0.34 and pulsatility index, 0.62). Pathohistologic confirmation of the clearcell carcinoma has been done.

Bilateral fallopian tubal polyps: radiologic and pathologic correlation

A case of bilateral fallopian tube filling defects found on hysterosalpingography performed on a patient for infertility work-up is presented. Repeat hysterosalpingography performed 4 years later showed no change. Microsurgical resection revealed the defects to be fallopian tubal polyps of endometrial origin.

Gadolinium-DOTA enhanced MR imaging of adnexal tumors

We conducted a retrospective study to assess the potential of contrast enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in evaluating adnexal tumors. Sixty patients with a total of 77 pelvic lesions underwent MR imaging at 1.5 T and transabdominal ultrasound (US). Precontrast T1- and T2-weighted and Gd-DOTA enhanced T1-weighted MR images were obtained. Diagnoses were proved by surgery in 57 patients. Of the 77 lesions, 54 masses were of ovarian origin, including 12 malignant disorders. Ultrasound demonstrated the lesions in 92%, whereas the sensitivity of unenhanced T2-weighted and postcontrast MR images was 98 and 96%, respectively. Compared to the T2-weighted images, postcontrast MR imaging showed superior overall tumor delineation, assessment of intratumoral architecture, and definition of tumor origin. Contrast enhancement of tumors did not differ significantly between normal ovary and benign and malignant lesions. All modalities were unable to predict malignancy of complex lesions. Based on our study, US remains the screening modality of choice in the evaluation of adnexal tumors. Contrast enhanced MR imaging may be valuable for assessing complex lesions or when the origin of the mass cannot be determined by US. Using contrast enhanced T1-weighted images instead of T2-weighted images may lead to a significant reduction in acquisition time.

Immunolymphoscintigraphy and immunoscintigraphy of ovarian and fallopian tube cancer using F(ab')2 fragments of monoclonal antibody OC 125

We have used immunolymphoscintigraphy (ILS) alone or in combination with immunoscintigraphy with 131I-labeled F(ab')2 fragments of monoclonal OC 125 antibodies to improve detection of retroperitoneal lymph node metastases of ovarian and fallopian tube cancer. ILS was carried out with bilateral dorsopedal s.c. injections on nine patients and with bilateral iliopelvic injections into the ischiorectal fossa on two other patients. Radioimaging was performed 2-4 times between 0 and 5 days. An additional dose of labeled antibody fragments was given i.v., and imaging was done 2-3 days later. Conventional immunoscintigraphy without preceding ILS was carried out on another nine patients. Dorsopedal ILS improved detection of pelvic and paraaortic lymph node metastases. Malignant lymph nodes were detectable as early as 3 h after s.c. injection of the tracer. Combined results of ILS and immunoscintigraphy in 16 surgically verified cases indicated a true positive finding in 9 patients, true negative finding in 5, false positive in one, and false negative in 1. Calculated from these figures the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the method were 90, 83, and 88%, respectively. Involved lymph nodes were found more frequently in those patients whose serum CA 125 concentration was elevated demonstrating that an elevated serum CA 125 level does not preclude successful radioimmunodetection.

Early detection of primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube by endovaginal ultrasound

About 0.5% of all gynecological malignancies in Sweden are primary fallopian tube carcinomas. Early diagnosis is difficult due to the paucity of symptoms. However, the diagnosis should be entertained in the presence of abnormal vaginal bleeding not explained by gynaecological examination and biopsy of the cervix and endometrium. The possibility of tubal carcinoma should be considered in patients with persistent vaginal discharge and lower abdominal pain without apparent explanation. An early case of fallopian tube carcinoma detected by endovaginal ultrasound is described.

Mesodermal mixed tumor primary in the fallopian tube

Mullerian mixed tumors, as a group, are uncommon. Only 27 cases of this tumor of the fallopian tube have been reported to date. We report the 28th case of mixed mesodermal tumor, originating in the fallopian tube. A 79-year-old woman had mistaken a bloody vaginal discharge for hematuria. Various examinations showed no evidence of malignancy. However, computerized tomography revealed an intrapelvic tumor. Laparotomy was performed, with a suspicion of tubal malignancy. The final pathologic diagnosis was mixed mesodermal tumor, originating in the fallopian tube. Postoperatively, the patient was placed on oral adjuvant chemotherapy for 34 months. At present, she is doing well. Though no definite conclusions regarding the best method of therapy can be reached, an aggressive mode of therapy is recommended. The primary therapy is surgery; however, surgery followed by chemotherapy may have a potential benefit.

Primary fallopian tube adenocarcinoma presenting as a hydrosalpinx: CT appearance

A case of adenocarcinoma of the fallopian tube that presented as a small mucosal papillary growth in a large, otherwise noncomplicated hydrosalpinx is reported. Computed tomography clearly delineated the mucosal tumor and characteristic unilateral tubular shaped adnexal mass of the hydrosalpinx which was easily distinguishable from ovarian cystic masses.

[When should one operate on polyps of the isthmo-interstitial portion of the fallopian tube?]

The authors analyze the diagnosis and the results of the treatment of 43 patients presenting simple polyps of the isthmo-interstitial segment of the tube with at least a 2 years follow-up. The study was carried out between 1980 and 1983. It was a prospective, non-randomized study. They conclude that the medical treatment, which gives excellent results, is advantageous. Microsurgical treatment (reimplantation or isthmo-ostial anastomosis) is only used after failure of the medical treatment.

Tubo-cornual polyps: their relevance in subfertility

One-hundred-and-seventy-four patients having hysterosalpingographs during the investigation of infertility have been reviewed to assess the incidence of tubo-cornual polyps and their relation to subsequent pregnancy. Definite polyps were present in 31 (18%) of the patients. There was no significant difference in age or parity in women with and without polyps, nor in associated infertility factors such as tubal occlusion or oligospermia. None of the patients with polyps had endometriosis. Conception rates in the two groups were not significantly different. The cumulative rates at 18 months with and without polyps were 34.5 +/- 13.7% (SE) and 43.6% +/- 3.9% respectively in the overall groups, and 36.9% +/- 24.1% and 59.0% +/- 9.1% in the couples with otherwise unexplained infertility. It is concluded that tubo-cornual polyps are not related to infertility and that they should not be treated.

[Dermoid cyst of the fallopian tube. Apropos of a case]

Authors on the subject of a case of fallopian tube dermoid cyst, lay an emphasis on the rarity of this pathology, its clinical polymorphism. With an unknown pathology, the treatment remains only surgical.

Primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube: favourable response to new chemotherapeutic agent, CHIP

Two cases are reported of recurrent fallopian tube carcinoma treated with CHIP (cis-dichloro-transdihydroxy-bis-isopropylamine platinum IV), a new cis-platinum analogue, resulting in one complete (though transient) and one good partial remission.

Angiography in uterine and adnexal tumors

A series of 106 patients with uterine or adnexal lesions is presented. Bilateral selective internal iliac angiography proved to be valuable in the preoperative diagnosis of gynecologic tumors regarding their origin and in the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign tumors.

Arteriography in the diagnosis of liver tumours

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