Practical Approach to the Adnexal Mass

Diagnostic value of risk of malignancy index in the clinical evaluation of ovarian mass

In the present study, the Risk Malignancy Index (RMI) was calculated based on menopausal status, ultrasound (US) findings and serum biological cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) levels as a scoring system in Libyan females with ovarian masses (OMs) to differentiate between benign and malignant tumors. A total of 51 females with OMs referred to the Gynaecology Department of the National Cancer Institute in Misurata (Libya) between January 2019 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed for diagnostic testing. Clinicopathological and demographic data were obtained from patient records. A cut-off point of RMI=200 was used to differentiate between benign and malignant tumors. The mean age of the patients was 47 years (range, 19-90 years) and 60% of the patients were premenopausal. Examination of the four RMI indices and disease status indicated that the association with the US score (P<0.0001) and with CA-125 (P=0.017) was highly significant. However, the age at diagnosis and menopausal status did not have any significant association with the disease status. The RMI with a cut-off point of 200 had a sensitivity and specificity of 87.5 and 90.7%, respectively, and a positive and negative predictive value of 63.6 and 97.5%, respectively. The association between the RMI and disease status was highly significant (P<0.0001). In conclusion, the RMI appears to be a reliable, simple and cost-effective tool for clinical differentiation between benign and malignant OMs. This may help to improve the optimal diagnosis and planning of an individualized treatment strategy. However, given the small sample size of the cohort, further validation using larger cohorts in other settings is recommended.

Growth Rate of Ovarian Serous Cystadenomas and Cystadenofibromas

OBJECTIVES

We analyzed growth rates of benign ovarian serous cystadenomas and cystadenofibromas to understand what percentage would show a volume doubling time (DT) of less than 3 years, between 3 and 5 years, or greater than 5 years.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed pathology records (January 1, 2014, to June 30, 2019) to find all surgically excised ovarian serous cystadenomas and cystadenofibromas. Imaging records were then reviewed to identify those that had been confidently identified with ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, or computed tomography at least twice before surgical removal, with at least a 60-day interval between studies. Three orthogonal measurements were recorded on the first and last imaging studies on which the mass was detected, with volume calculations by the prolate formula (product of 3 measurements multiplied by 0.52). The volume DT was calculated and grouped into 1 of 5 categories: (1) DT of less than 1 year; (2) DT of 1 to 3 years; (3) DT of 3 to 5 years; (4) DT of 5 to 10 years; and (5) no growth (any mass with a DT >10 years or showing a decrease in volume).

RESULTS

A total of 102 of 536 cystadenomas and 44 of 227 cystadenofibromas met inclusion criteria. Of the 146 tumors, 40 (27.4%) had a DT of less than 1 year; 38 (26.0%) had a DT of 1 to 3 years; 22 (15.1%) had a DT of 3 to 5 years; 10 (6.8%) had a DT of 5 to 10 years; and 36 (24.7%) showed no growth.

CONCLUSIONS

A total of 53.4% of ovarian serous cystadenomas/cystadenofibromas have a DT of less than 3 years; 15.1% have a DT between 3 and 5 years; and 31.5% have a DT of greater than 5 years or show no growth.

Algorithmic Approach to Sonography of Adnexal Masses: An Evolving Paradigm

BACKGROUND

Pelvic US remains the workhorse for detection and characterization of adnexal masses in most centers worldwide. While the differentiation of benign from malignant masses remains the foremost concern, it is imperative to narrow the differential diagnosis for management of benign masses as well as prognostication of malignant masses. The IOTA group as well as ACR have described a five category classification system for adnexal lesions based on morphological patterns. In addition, a six category risk stratification has been proposed, incorporating the probability of malignancy as well as management recommendations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1) Understand pattern based approach to adnexal lesion classification and the possible entities fitting into each pattern with the help of illustrations. 2) Classify lesions into appropriate risk categories based on diagnostic algorithms provided at the end of each section.

Ultrasound of Pelvic Pain in the Nonpregnant Woman

Pelvic ultrasound with endovaginal ultrasound is often the imaging test of choice in the initial evaluation of nonpregnant women with pelvic pain. This article considers the sonographic observations and techniques useful in diagnosis of a variety of gynecologic causes of pelvic pain in these women, including ovarian hemorrhage, ovarian torsion, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis (particularly deeply infiltrating endometriosis), endometriomas, adenomyosis, pelvic congestion syndrome, and malpositioned intrauterine contraceptive devices. Sonographic observations regarding a number of non-gynecologic causes of pelvic pain are also described.

[Usefulness and reliability of abdominal point of care ultrasound in family practice (2): Large abdominal vessels, spleen, nephrourological and gynecological ultrasound]

This article is a continuation of the review initiated in the previous issue about the usefulness of point of care ultrasound in Primary Care, completing the scenarios of large abdominal vessels, spleen, nephrourological and gynecological ultrasound.

The Challenge of Evaluating Adnexal Masses in Patients With Breast Cancer

This narrative literature review addresses the problem of an adnexal mass discovered during the course of breast cancer (BC) care, which may represent a benign condition, a metastatic process, or a primary ovarian cancer (OC), clinical scenarios associated with distinct physiopathology and prognosis. Furthermore, the coexistence of BC and OC in the same patient may be owing to a hereditary disorder, deserving specific management strategies and counseling. The initial detection and evaluation of an adnexal mass in a patient with BC requires a high index of suspicion, and the initial workup should include a thorough medical history and physical examination, measurement of tumor markers, complete blood count, and imaging tests. Transvaginal ultrasonography remains the standard tool, and findings suggestive of malignancy include bilateral tumors, thick septations, predominance of a solid component, Doppler flow to the solid component, and ascites. From the pathology point of view, features that are suggestive of metastatic disease include bilaterality, mild ovarian enlargement, vascular emboli, no omental deposits, and the absence of transition from benign to malignant epithelium. Although there is a considerable overlap in OC and BC immunohistochemical profiles, BC usually stain positive for GCDFP-15 and negative for vimentine, PAX8, and WT1, and OC often stain positive for CK7, PAX8, WT1, and to mesothelin. Genetic counselling should always be indicated in this clinical scenario. In conclusion, diagnostic spectrum of an ovarian mass in a patient with BC is broad, and a systematic multi-professional strategy is necessary to conduct these challenging cases.

The Usefulness of Ultrasound Imaging in Gynecologic Oncology

Pelvic ultrasound examination is the primary imaging modality for evaluating a wide range of female pelvic symptomatology, and is often the first imaging test to detect a gynecologic malignancy. Ultrasound imaging is particularly useful for evaluating the thickness and appearance of the endometrium in patients with abnormal bleeding, and in detecting and characterizing ovarian lesions. This article reviews the ultrasound appearance of gynecologic neoplasms grouped by anatomic site of origin, the ultrasound appearance of select benign pelvic pathology not to be misinterpreted as malignancy, as well as available ultrasound imaging-based guidelines for managing potential gynecologic neoplasms.

Ultrassonografia nas massas anexiais: aspectos de imagem

A ultrassonografia realizada por um habilidoso e experiente examinador é considerada, atualmente, método de elevada acurácia no diagnóstico diferencial das massas anexiais. Os autores expõem uma revisão baseada em imagens ultrassonográficas das principais apresentações das massas anexiais, descrevendo suas características e localizações.

'Blood On The Tracks' from corpora lutea to endometriomas

OBJECTIVE

To detect a direct transition from a haemorrhagic corpus luteum to an endometriotic cyst by serial transvaginal ultrasonographic scans.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

An academic tertiary care and referral centre for women with endometriosis.

POPULATION

One hundred and nine women younger than 40 years, with regular menstrual cycles, undergoing first-line surgery for endometriomas, and not wanting postoperative oral contraception.

METHODS

Three-monthly transvaginal ultrasonography during the luteal phase for 2 years after surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Sonographic identification of progression from a haemorrhagic corpus luteum to a recurrent endometriotic cyst.

RESULTS

A haemorrhagic corpus luteum was identified in 13 women. Serial ultrasonographic scans demonstrated transition to an endometriotic cyst in 11 (85%) instances and resorption in two. A unilateral endometriotic cyst without previous detection of a cystic corpus luteum was observed in 14 women.

CONCLUSIONS

Bleeding from a corpus luteum appears to be a critical event in the development of endometriomas.

Pelvic masses

Pelvic masses develop commonly in women of all ages and states of health. Despite the variety of masses that exist, general guidelines for diagnosis and management allow most masses to be treated in a generalist setting. This article is intended to guide non-obstetric and non-gynecologic physicians through diagnosis and treatment of nonmalignant pelvic masses. It includes information on physical examination, appropriate imaging techniques, laboratory tests, and variations in treatment for adolescents and pre- and postmenopausal women. It also addresses referral guidelines for suspected malignant masses.

Reimaging the female pelvis with ultrasound after CT: general principles

Ultrasound is the most appropriate first imaging test to perform when gynecologic pathology is suspected based on clinical history or physical examination, and imaging is required. However, as a practical matter, a woman's first imaging test evaluating her pelvis may be a computed tomographic (CT) scan; this is especially true when these women present to an acute care facility or emergency department with chronic or acute lower abdominal pain. Radiologists need to be able to recognize the CT features of a variety of gynecologic conditions. However, just as importantly, radiologists should have a firm understanding of general principles that help to clarify when reimaging the pelvis with ultrasound is indicated; furthermore, a clear understanding of these principles helps to focus the sonologist's attention on the sonographic features that will be most helpful in further characterization of abnormal CT findings. This pictorial essay discusses these general principles that clarify when ultrasound is and is not helpful in reimaging the female pelvis after CT.