Accuracy and reproducibility of the O-RADS MRI risk stratification system based on enhanced non-DCE MRI in the assessment of adnexal masses

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of the diagnostic performance and reproducibility of the Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) risk stratification system based on enhanced non-dynamic contrast-enhanced (non-DCE) MRI in the diagnosis of adnexal masses.

METHODS

Patients who underwent conventional pelvic enhanced non-DCE MRI examination within one month prior to surgery formed the study population. Two experienced radiologists independently evaluated the images and assigned a score according to the O-RADS MRI risk stratification system. One of the radiologists reviewed the images and reassigned the scores after three months. Intra- and inter-observer agreement was evaluated with the k coefficient value. The adnexal masses that attained scores between 1 and 3 were considered benign, while those with scores of 4 or 5 were considered malignant. Analyses were conducted to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, which were then used for evaluating the diagnostic efficacy of the developed system based on enhanced non-DCE MRI scan. The reference standard was histology.

RESULTS

A total of 308 patients (mean age: 42.09 ± 12.42 years, age range: 20-84 years) were enrolled in the study. Among the 362 adnexal masses from the included patients, there were 320 benign masses and 42 malignant masses. In the case of three readers, there were no malignant tumors scored 1-2. The O-RADS MRI score ≥ 4 was associated with malignancy resulted in a good diagnostic efficacy with the areas under the curve (AUC) values of 0.918 (95 % CI, 0.864-0.972), 0.905 (95 % CI, 0.842-0.968), and 0.882 (95 % CI, 0.815-0.950), the sensitivity values of 90.5 % (95 % CI, 87.5-93.5 %), 85.7 % (95 % CI, 82.1-89.3 %), and 83.3 % (95 % CI, 79.5-87.2 %), and the specificity values of 93.1 % (95 % CI, 90.5-95.7 %), 95.3 % (95 % CI, 93.1-97.5 %), and 93.1 % (95 % CI, 90.5-95.7 %) obtained for the three readers, respectively. Excellent intra-observer agreement and inter-observer agreement were observed with the k values of 0.883 (95 % CI, 0.814-0.952) and 0.848 (95 % CI, 0.770-0.926), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The O-RADS MRI risk stratification system based on enhanced non-DCE MRI scans exhibited high accuracy and reproducibility in the prediction of adnexal masses malignancy. Enhanced non-DCE MRI scan may offer an alternative diagnostic tool when DCE is not possible.

Assessment of the performance of the O-RADS MRI score for the evaluation of adnexal masses, with technical notes

Objective

To assess the performance of the Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System Magnetic Resonance Imaging (O-RADS MRI) score in the evaluation of adnexal masses and to provide technical notes about its current MRI parameters and concepts.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective study of 226 patients with 287 adnexal masses (190 submitted to surgery or biopsy and 97 followed for at least one year). We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the O-RADS MRI score, using ≥ 4 as the cutoff for malignancy. We performed a technical analysis of the main updates to the score, announced in September 2020 by the American College of Radiology, in comparison with the original (2013) version.

Results

We found that an O-RADS MRI score of 4 or 5 was associated with malignancy of an adnexal mass, with a sensitivity of 91.11% (95% CI: 83.23-96.08), specificity of 94.92% (95% CI: 90.86-97.54), positive predictive value of 89.13% (95% CI: 81.71-93.77), negative predictive value of 95.90% (95% CI: 92.34-97.84), and overall accuracy of 93.73% (95% CI: 90.27-96.24).

Conclusion

Our findings support the use of the O-RADS MRI score for evaluating adnexal masses, especially those considered indeterminate on ultrasound. The updates made recently to the O-RADS MRI score facilitate its interpretation and will allow its more widespread use, with no loss of diagnostic accuracy.

Predictors of malignancy in incidental adnexal lesions identified on CT in patients with prior non-ovarian cancer

PURPOSE

To identify imaging features in incidental adnexal lesions which are associated with malignancy on portal venous phase contrast-enhanced CT in patients with known non-ovarian cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant retrospective study was performed at a tertiary cancer center. Portal venous phase contrast-enhanced CT from January 2010 to December 2015 was reviewed to identify women with non-ovarian malignancy and incidental adnexal lesion, with mean 18 months (range 1-80 months) to definitive diagnosis or last imaging follow-up. Imaging features of adnexal lesions were recorded (size, laterality, shape, attenuation, and composition) and correlated with outcome (benign or malignant) using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. A point-based system was used to predict likelihood of malignancy.

RESULTS

Of 276 women (mean age 45 years), 216 (78.3%) had benign lesions, 58 (21.0%) ovarian metastasis, and 2 (0.7%) had primary ovarian malignancy. On logistic regression model, lesion size > 5 cm (p-value, OR, 95% CI 0.01, 9.11, 1.70-48.87), bilaterality (< 0.0001, 28.34, 7.46-107.67), irregular shape (0.01, 12.31, 1.61-94.05), higher-than-simple-fluid attenuation (< 0.0001, 28.27, 5.65-141.59), and heterogeneous composition (0.0017, 10.75, 2.45-47.23) were associated with malignant outcome (AUC 0.97). A point-based system incorporating these five features (possible 0-5 points) had AUC of 0.97. Rate of malignancy was 0% (0/147) if none of the features of malignancy were present, 12.7% (8/63) if one feature was present, 51.7% (15/29) if two features were present, and 100% (37/37) if three or more features present.

CONCLUSION

Risk of malignancy of incidental adnexal lesions in women with prior non-ovarian cancer can be estimated based on lesion features seen on portal venous phase contrast-enhanced CT.

Exploration of Potential Diagnostic Value of Protein Content in Serum Small Extracellular Vesicles for Early-Stage Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is one of the most common gynecologic malignancies with a high mortality rate. Serum biomarkers and imaging approaches are insufficient in identifying EOC patients at an early stage. This study is to set up a combination of proteins from serum small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) for the diagnosis of early-stage EOC and to determine its performance. A biomarker for early-stage ovarian cancer (BESOC) cohort was used as a Chinese multi-center population-based biomarker study and registered as a Chinese Clinical Trial ChiCTR2000040136. The sEV protein levels of CA125, HE4, and C5a were measured in 299 subjects. Logistic regression was exploited to calculate the odds ratio and to create the sEV protein model for the predicted probability and subsequently receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The combined sEV marker panel of CA125, HE4, and C5a as a sEV model obtained an area under curve (AUC) of 0.912, which was greater than the serum model (0.809), by ROC analysis to identify EOC patients from the whole cohort. With the cutoff of 0.370, the sensitivity and specificity of the sEV model were 0.80 and 0.89, which were much better performance than the serum markers (sensitivity: 0.55~0.66; specificity: 0.59~0.68) and the risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA) index approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (sensitivity: 0.65; specificity: 0.61), to identify EOC patients from patients with benign ovarian diseases or other controls. The sEV levels of CA125 significantly differed among early-stage and late-stage EOC (p < 0.001). Moreover, the AUC of ROC to identify early-stage EOC patients was 0.888. Further investigation revealed that the sEV levels of these 3 proteins significantly decreased after cytoreductive surgery (CA125, p = 0.008; HE4, p = 0.025; C5a, p = 0.044). In summary, our study showed that CA125, HE4, and C5a levels in serum sEVs can identify EOC patients at the early stage, elucidating the possibility of using a sEV model for the diagnosis of early-stage EOC.

Evaluating the added benefit of CT texture analysis on conventional CT analysis to differentiate benign ovarian cysts

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the benefit of adding CT texture analysis on conventional CT features of benign adnexal cystic lesions, especially in identifying mucinous cystadenoma.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients who underwent surgical removal of benign ovarian cysts (44 mucinous cystadenomas, 32 serous cystadenomas, 16 follicular/simple cysts and 43 endometriotic cysts) at our institution between January 2015 and November 2017. The CT images were independently reviewed by an abdominal radiologist (reviewer 1) and a resident (reviewer 2). Both reviewers recorded the conventional characteristics and performed texture analysis. Based on reviewer 1's results, two decision trees for differential diagnosis were developed. Reviewer 2's results were then applied to the decision trees. The diagnostic performances of each reviewer with and without the decision trees were compared.

RESULTS

Several conventional features and texture analysis parameters showed significant differences between mucinous cystadenomas and other benign adnexal cysts. The first decision tree selected septum number and thickness as significant features, whereas the second decision tree selected septum number and the mean values at spatial scaling factor (SSF) 0. Reviewer 1's performance did not change significantly with or without the use of the decision trees. Reviewer 2's interpretations were significantly less sensitive than reviewer 1's interpretations (p = 0.001). However, when aided by the first and second decision trees, Reviewer 2's interpretations were significantly more sensitive than reviewer 1's interpretations (86.4%, p < 0.001; 72.7%, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests the benefit of CT texture analysis on conventional images to differentiate mucinous cystadenoma from other benign adnexal cysts, particularly for less experienced radiologists.

Incidental Ovarian and Uterine Findings on Cross-sectional Imaging

Incidental adnexal masses and uterine findings occur with a high frequency on cross-sectional imaging examinations, particularly in postmenopausal women in whom imaging is performed for a different reason. These incidentalomas encompass a gamut of potential pelvic gynecologic disorders. Most are benign ovarian cysts; however, other less commonly encountered disorders and improperly positioned gynecologic devices may be seen. A knowledge of the management recommendations for such pelvic incidental findings is critical to avoid unnecessary imaging and surgical interventions, as well as to avoid failure in diagnosis and management of some of these conditions.

General Review on the Current Management of Incidental Findings on Cross-Sectional Imaging: What Guidelines to Use, How to Follow Them, and Management and Medical-Legal Considerations

"Incidentalomas" are a common part of daily practice for radiologists, and knowledge of appropriate management guidelines is important in ensuring that no potentially clinically relevant findings are missed or are lost to follow-up in asymptomatic patients. Incidental findings of the brain, spine, thyroid, lungs, breasts, liver, adrenals, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bowel, and ovaries are discussed, including where to find guidelines for management recommendations, how to follow them, and medical-legal considerations.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Postmenopausal Acute Pelvic Pain

Acute pelvic pain is a common presenting complaint in both the emergency room and outpatient settings. Pelvic pain of gynecologic origin in postmenopausal women occurs less frequently than in premenopausal women; however, it has important differences in etiology. The most common causes of postmenopausal pelvic pain from gynecologic origin are ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian neoplasm. Other etiologies of pelvic pain are attributable to urinary, gastrointestinal, and vascular systems. As the optimal imaging modality varies for these etiologies, it is important to narrow the differential diagnosis before choosing the initial diagnostic imaging examination. Transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound are the best initial imaging techniques when the differential is primarily of gynecologic origin. CT with intravenous (IV) contrast is more useful if the differential diagnosis remains broad. MRI without IV contrast or MRI without and with IV contrast, as well as CT without IV contrast may also be used for certain differential considerations. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Multimodality imaging review of complex pelvic lesions in female pelvis

Complex pelvic lesions can originate from various anatomical structures in the pelvis and pose a diagnostic dilemma due to a wide range of possible diagnoses. Accurate characterisation of these lesions would often require an algorithmic approach, which incorporates clinical findings, sequential use of multiple imaging modalities and a multiparametric approach. This approach usually aims at identifying key imaging features, which aid in anatomical localisation, morphology and tissue characterisation. There have been various attempts to standardise the lexicon used for describing adnexal masses in female patients; stratify their risk of cancer and suggest appropriate next steps in the management pathway. Through this review, we extend this approach to complex pelvic masses in female pelvis in general and will focus on optimal use of different imaging modalities to arrive at definitive diagnosis or meaningful differential diagnosis. We will also discuss potential pitfalls of imaging diagnosis and common mimics.

Adnexal incidentalomas on multidetector CT: how to manage and characterise

Although CT is not considered the examination of choice for the detection and characterisation of adnexal diseases, adnexal masses may be incidentally detected during CT examination performed for other clinical indications. Most adnexal incidentalomas are benign, and therefore may not require further investigation, follow-up or intervention; however, few of them may prove malignant. Multidetector CT has improved the diagnostic performance of the technique in the detection and differentiation of adnexal mass lesions. Radiologists should be able to recognise the normal CT appearance of the ovaries and the CT characteristics of various adnexal incidentalomas. This may obviate unnecessary imaging evaluation and allow optimal treatment planning. Regarding the management of adnexal lesions incidentally found on CT, recommendations based on the collective experience of the members of the American College of Radiology Incidental Findings Committee II have recently been presented.

Impact of a Multifaceted Information Technology-Enabled Intervention on the Adoption of ACR White Paper Follow-Up Recommendations for Incidental Adnexal Lesions Detected on CT

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to improve adherence to American College of Radiology (ACR) white paper follow-up imaging recommendations for incidental adnexal lesions seen on pelvic CT (herein referred to as "adherence rate to recommendations"). MATERIALS AND METHODS. This quality improvement project was conducted at a large academic teaching hospital. The baseline adherence rate to recommendations was assessed by screening all pelvic CT reports for the period from October 22, 2016, through December 22, 2016, for incidental adnexal findings, followed by manual review. Forty abdominal and cancer imaging radiologists were surveyed to understand the barriers to adoption of the recommendations. Interventions to address the most common identified barriers were implemented on December 23, 2016. The postintervention adherence rate was assessed from December 23, 2016, through February 15, 2017, by again screening CT pelvis reports for incidental adnexal lesions followed by manual review. The change in pre- and postintervention adherence rates was assessed using the Fisher exact test and statistical process control (SPC) p-chart with 3-sigma control limits. RESULTS. The adherence rate to recommendations at baseline was 67% (121/181). Of the 28 of 40 (70%) radiologists who completed the survey, only 29% (8/28) often or consistently used the recommendations. Not remembering the details of the recommendations or not having time to look them up accounted for 83.3% of the barriers cited by radiologists. Interventions consisted of radiologist education and creation of an easily accessible clinical decision support tool incorporated into radiology reporting workflow. The adherence rate to recommendations after the intervention increased to 87% (129/148; p < 0.0001), as also shown by the SPC chart. CONCLUSION. The rate of adherence to follow-up imaging recommendations significantly increased after radiologist education and incorporation of recommendations into the radiologist workflow.

Adnexal lesions detected on CT in postmenopausal females with non-ovarian malignancy: do simple cysts need follow-up?

PURPOSE

To assess whether CT morphology of adnexal lesions in postmenopausal women with history of non-ovarian cancer could be used to discriminate benign and malignant lesions, particularly focusing on applicability of the ACR criteria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was an IRB-approved HIPAA-compliant retrospective review of contrast-enhanced CTs of 199 women, 55 years and older. Lesions were classified as simple cystic, complex cystic, solid-cystic, or solid based on CT morphology, and were diagnosed as benign, indeterminate, or malignant on follow-up imaging or pathology. Associated metastatic disease was noted, if present. Findings were analyzed to correlate CT morphology, primary tumor pathology, and metastatic disease pattern with eventual lesion diagnosis.

RESULTS

There were 223 adnexal lesions, including 123 (55%) simple cystic, 48 (22%) complex cystic, 40 (18%) solid-cystic, and 12 (5%) solid lesions. 186/223 (83%) lesions were benign, and 37/223 (17%) were malignant. Primary colorectal cancer was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of malignant adnexal lesions (OR 10.2, p < 0.001) compared to patients with other cancers. Adnexal malignancy was significantly associated with the presence of non-ovarian peritoneal metastases (p < 0.001). None of the simple cysts (including 85 cysts between 1-3 cm and 38 cysts > 3 cm) were found to be malignant (malignancy rate: 0.0%, 95% CI 0.0-3.0%). Complex cysts were more likely to be malignant than simple cysts (p = 0.002) and solid-cystic lesions were more likely to be malignant than complex cysts (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Simple adnexal lesions on CT in this cohort were unlikely to be malignant, supporting the ACR guidelines. A higher size threshold of 3 cm (vs. 1 cm) may be preferred in all cases of simple cysts for recommending further follow-up. However, more complex-appearing cysts need further evaluation as the risk of malignancy is increased. Peritoneal metastases have a significant correlation with malignant adnexal involvement.

Accuracy of the ADNEX MR scoring system based on a simplified MRI protocol for the assessment of adnexal masses

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the ADNEX MR scoring system for the prediction of adnexal mass malignancy, using a simplified magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 200 patients with 237 adnexal masses underwent MRI between February 2014 and February 2016 and were followed until February 2017. Two radiologists calculated ADNEX MR scores using an MRI protocol with a simplified dynamic study, not a high temporal resolution study, as originally proposed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, likelihood ratios, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were calculated (cutoff for malignancy, score ≥ 4). The reference standard was histopathologic diagnosis or imaging findings during >12 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 237 lesions, 79 (33.3%) were malignant. The ADNEX MR scoring system, using a simplified MRI protocol, showed 94.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87.5%-98.6%) sensitivity and 97.5% (95% CI, 93.6%-99.3%) specificity in malignancy prediction; it was thus highly accurate, like the original system. The level of interobserver agreement on simplified scoring was high (κ = 0.91).

CONCLUSION

In a tertiary cancer center, the ADNEX MR scoring system, even based on a simplified MRI protocol, performed well in the prediction of malignant adnexal masses. This scoring system may enable the standardization of MRI reporting on adnexal masses, thereby improving communication between radiologists and gynecologists.

Screening of colorectal cancer: present and future

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in males and second in females, and the fourth most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Currently, about 60-70% of diagnosed cases in symptomatic patients are detected at an advanced stage of disease. Earlier stage detection through the use of screening strategies would allow for better outcomes in terms of reducing the disease burden. Areas covered: The aim of this paper is to review the current published evidence from literature which assesses the performance and effectiveness of different screening tests for the early detection of CRC. Expert commentary: Adequate screening strategies can reduce CRC incidence and mortality. In the last few decades, several tests have been proposed for CRC screening. To date, there is still insufficient evidence to identify which approach is definitively superior, and no screening strategy for CRC can therefore be defined as universally ideal. The best strategy would be the one that can be economically viable and to which the patient can adhere best to over time. The latest guidelines suggest colonoscopy every 10 years or annual fecal immuno-chemical test (FIT) for people with normal risk, while for individuals with high risk or hereditary syndromes specific recommendations are provided.

MR Imaging for Incidental Adnexal Mass Characterization

Incidentally detected adnexal masses are common, and the overwhelming majority of them are benign. As many of these adnexal masses are considered indeterminate at CT or US, a large number of benign oophorectomies occur. Of the malignant adnexal masses, high-grade primary ovarian neoplasms with fast doubling times and early dissemination are the most common. Due to their aggressive behavior, diagnosis of malignancy by interval growth on surveillance imaging represents an undesirable option. Immediate MR characterization allows for a decreased rate of benign oophorectomies and expedited triage of patients to definitive treatment when malignancy is suspected.

"Incidentalomas" on abdominal and pelvic CT in emergency radiology: literature review and current management recommendations

The purpose of this article is to familiarize radiologists and clinicians with a subset of common and uncommon incidental findings on abdominal and pelvic computed tomography examinations, including hepatic, splenic, renal, adrenal, pancreatic, aortic/iliac arterial, gynecological, and a few other miscellaneous findings, with an emphasis on "incidentalomas" discovered in the emergency setting. In addition, we will review the complex problem of diagnosing such entities, and provide current management recommendations. Representative case examples, which we have encountered in our clinical practices, will be demonstrated.

Evidence-Based Cancer Imaging

With the advances in the field of oncology, imaging is increasingly used in the follow-up of cancer patients, leading to concerns about over-utilization. Therefore, it has become imperative to make imaging more evidence-based, efficient, cost-effective and equitable. This review explores the strategies and tools to make diagnostic imaging more evidence-based, mainly in the context of follow-up of cancer patients.

Expanding the Scope of an Automated Radiology Recommendation-Tracking Engine: Initial Experiences and Lessons Learned

An automated radiology recommendation-tracking engine for incidental focal masses in the liver, pancreas, kidneys, and adrenal glands was launched within our institution in July 2013. For 2 years, the majority of CT, MR, and US examination reports generated within our health system were mined by the engine. However, the need to expand the system beyond the initial four organs was soon identified. In July 2015, the second phase of the system was implemented and expanded to include additional anatomic structures in the abdomen and pelvis, as well as to provide non-radiology and non-imaging options for follow-up. The most frequent organs with incidental findings, outside of the original four, included the ovaries and the endometrium, which also correlated to the most frequently ordered imaging follow-up study of pelvic ultrasound and non-imaging follow-up study of endometrial biopsies, respectively. The second phase expansion has demonstrated new venues for augmenting and improving radiologist roles in optimal communication and management of incidental findings.

Indeterminate but Likely Unimportant Extracolonic Findings at Screening CT Colonography (C-RADS Category E3): Incidence and Outcomes Data From a Clinical Screening Program

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence and outcomes of unsuspected indeterminate but likely unimportant extracolonic findings (CT Colonography Reporting and Data System [C-RADS] category E3) at screening CT colonography (CTC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Over 99 months (April 2004 through June 2012), 7952 consecutive adults without symptoms of colorectal cancer (4277 women, 3675 men; mean age ± SD, 56.7 ± 7.3 years) underwent first-time screening CTC. Findings prospectively placed into C-RADS category E3 were retrospectively reviewed, including follow-up (range, 2-10 years) and ultimate clinical outcome.

RESULTS

Unsuspected C-RADS category E3 extracolonic findings were detected in 9.1% (725/7952) of our patient population. A total of 751 category E3 findings were detected among these 725 patients; 25 patients had multiple findings. Commonly involved organ systems included gynecologic (24.4%, 183/751), genitourinary (20.9%, 157/751), lung (20.6%, 155/751), and gastrointestinal (16.1%, 121/751). Consideration for further imaging, if clinically warranted, was suggested in 83.8% (608/725). Sixty-five patients were lost to follow-up. Conditions requiring treatment or surveillance were ultimately diagnosed in 8.3% (55/660), including eight malignant neoplasms. In the remaining 605 patients, 25 (4.1%) underwent invasive biopsy or surgery to prove benignity (including 18 complex adnexal masses), and 278 (46.0%) received additional imaging follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Indeterminate but likely unimportant extracolonic findings (C-RADS category E3) occurred in less than 10% of adults without symptoms of colorectal cancer who underwent screening CTC. Over 90% of these findings ultimately proved to be clinically insignificant, with fewer than 5% requiring an invasive procedure to prove benign disease, the majority of which (> 70%) were complex adnexal lesions in women.

"Chasing a Ghost": Factors that Influence Primary Care Physicians to Follow Up on Incidental Imaging Findings

Purpose To explore provider and patient characteristics that influence how primary care providers (PCPs) communicate and manage incidental imaging findings. Materials and Methods This HIPAA-compliant study was approved by the institutional review board. Through semistructured interviews, researchers explored concerns and perspectives of 30 PCPs on receiving and acting on incidental imaging findings. Open-ended questions were designed to elicit a range of responses rather than quantifiable data. Thematic codes were developed and explicitly defined. Three research assistants independently coded all 30 deidentified transcripts and resolved discrepancies (κ = 0.85). Codes pertaining to PCP and patient characteristics were organized into an explanatory model. Results Some PCPs felt compelled but frustrated to pursue costly follow-up for incidental imaging findings of limited clinical importance. Other PCPs did not act on findings that were unfamiliar or occurred in an unusual clinical context when follow-up recommendations were not given; the challenges of researching the clinical importance of these findings or seeking specialist consultation led to inaction. Some PCPs reported using a uniform approach to communicate and manage incidental findings, while others adapted their approach to the patient and the finding. Sometimes PCP characteristics such as follow-up style superseded patient characteristics. At other times patient characteristics such as health literacy superseded PCP characteristics. Conclusion PCPs cited a variety of objective and subjective factors that influence how they communicate and manage incidental imaging findings. These results suggest that some patients may receive inappropriate follow-up of incidental imaging findings and present an opportunity for radiologists to help PCPs and patients to best use the information conveyed in imaging reports. ^© RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

The Value of Ultrasound Monitoring of Adnexal Masses for Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer

Although ultrasound has so far been found to be ineffective as a screening tool for ovarian cancer, it is commonly used as a means of evaluating or following ovarian or adnexal masses once they are detected. We review the use of serial ultrasound for the management of adnexal masses and propose an approach to monitoring based on an understanding of the overall risk of cancer among the population in question and an assessment of how the potential benefit of monitoring compares with potential risk. In our approach, masses that are symptomatic, large (>10 cm), associated with an elevated CA 125 level or overt signs of malignancy, or that are determined to have a worrisome appearance by stringent ultrasound criteria should be evaluated surgically. Women with masses that have none of these characteristics should be offered monitoring. Short-term initial ultrasound monitoring carries significant potential benefit in terms of aiding detection of early malignancy and avoidance of unnecessary surgery. However, if a mass remains stable but persistent, the potential benefit of ongoing monitoring wanes with time, whereas the potential harms, in terms of patient anxiety, cost, and the risk of incidental findings and unnecessary surgery increase. Therefore, monitoring of stable lesions should be limited in duration in order to limit potential harms from overtreatment and overdiagnosis.

Catamenial pneumothorax due to solitary localization of diaphragmatic endometriosis

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Catamenial pneumothorax is related to thoracic endometriosis syndrome.

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Diagnosis of catamenial pneumothorax is a difficult challenge and its treatment is controversial.

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We report a case of catamenial pneumothorax caused by a single diaphragmatic localization of thoracic endometriosis.

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Successful treatment consisted of combined video-assisted pleurodesis and postoperative hormonal therapy.

Introduction

Catamenial pneumothorax (CP) is a spontaneous recurrent pneumothorax occurring in women in reproductive age. The etiology of CP has been associated with thoracic endometriosis and is its most common presentation.

Presentation of case

A case of right catamenial pneumothorax in a 38 year old woman is presented in which three episodes of CP occurred within 72 h of menses in a 6 month period. The patient underwent videothoracoscopy that revealed a solitary localization of diaphragmatic endometriosis. After surgical pleurodesis and based on final pathology of resected lesion, hormonal treatment was started. The outcome was uneventful and the patients is symptom-free at 6 months.

Discussion

Catamenial pneumothorax (CP) is a rare clinical entity characterized by lung collapse during menstruation, believed to be secondary to pleural endometriosis. Nearly all catamenial pneumothorax occur on the right side as pleural lesions are almost exclusively right-sided. Diagnostic imaging is based on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and, preferably, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) since it is able to detect the blood products in the endometrial deposits. However the lack of macroscopic findings at surgery makes this condition still under-diagnosed. Based on the solitary diaphragmatic localization of endometriosis in our case we preferred to limit surgery to videothoracoscopic pleurodesis and start hormonal treatment with successful outcome.

Conclusion

Catamenial pneumothorax is the most common presentation of thoracic endometriosis syndrome and should always be suspected in women in childbearing age. Treatment option are still debated but best results are achieved by videothoracoscopic pleurodesis combined with hormonal therapy.

Management of epithelial ovarian cancer from diagnosis to restaging: an overview of the role of imaging techniques with particular regard to the contribution of 18F-FDG PET/CT

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma is a major form of cancer affecting women in the western world. The silent nature of this disease results in late presentation at an advanced stage in many patients. It is therefore important to assess the role of imaging techniques in the management of these patients. This article presents a review of the literature on the role of (18)F-FDG-PET/CT in the different stages of management of epithelial ovarian cancer. Moreover, a comparison with other imaging techniques has been made and the relationship between (18)F-PET/CT and the assay of serum CA-125 levels has been discussed.

Imaging strategy for early ovarian cancer: characterization of adnexal masses with conventional and advanced imaging techniques

Early detection of ovarian cancer remains crucial for improving patient survival rates. However, early-stage disease is often asymptomatic, and population screening is currently unproven. Adnexal masses may be incidentally detected, but most are identified at ultrasonography (US) in patients who are symptomatic, and most may be characterized as benign or malignant. Indices are available to estimate the risk of malignancy on the basis of clinical and US findings. However, adnexal masses remain indeterminate in some cases, with some benign lesions demonstrating features of malignancy at US. In these cases, use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging improves the ability to characterize adnexal masses and reduces the number of indeterminate lesions. Establishing the likelihood of malignancy on the basis of imaging features is important to the preoperative detection of early ovarian cancer and profoundly influences referral and management pathways. Conventional and contrast material-enhanced MR imaging are used to evaluate morphologic features, including lesion complexity, signal intensity, and enhancement of solid areas. At dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging with semiquantitative analysis, early enhancement characteristics may help differentiate some complex benign and malignant lesions. Diffusion-weighted imaging has a limited but useful role in evaluating adnexal masses: Those with a hypointense solid area on both diffusion-weighted (b = 1000 sec/mm²) and T2-weighted images are likely benign, whereas those that are hyperintense on diffusion-weighted images (b = 1000 sec/mm²) with intermediate signal intensity on T2-weighted images are likely malignant.

Common incidental findings on MDCT: survey of radiologist recommendations for patient management

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate for agreement with respect to how radiologists report incidental findings encountered on CT.

METHODS

A multiple-choice survey was designed to query radiologists about how they handle 12 incidental findings on body CT, assuming the patient is a 45-year-old woman with no history of malignancy. Included were a 1-cm thyroid nodule, a 5-mm noncalcified lung nodule, coronary artery calcification, a 2-cm adrenal nodule, a 2-cm pancreatic cyst, a 1-cm enhancing liver lesion, a 2-cm high-density renal cyst, short-segment small bowel intussusception, a 1-cm splenic cyst, focal gallbladder wall calcification, and a 3-cm ovarian cyst in both a premenopausal woman and a postmenopausal woman. Choices ranged from "do not report" to advising interventional procedures tailored to the organ. Surveys were administered to body CT attending radiologists at 3 academic institutions.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven radiologists completed the survey. The mean experience level was 15.7 years after training. Seventy percent or greater agreement on interpretation was identified for only 6 findings: recommend ultrasound for a 1-cm thyroid nodule, recommend ultrasound for a 3-cm cyst in postmenopausal woman, follow Fleischner Society recommendations for a 5-mm lung nodule, describe only coronary calcification, and describe as likely benign both short-segment small bowel intussusception and a 1-cm splenic cyst.

CONCLUSIONS

Agreement is lacking, both across institutions and within departments, for the management of 6 commonly encountered incidental findings on body CT. Individual departments should develop internal guidelines to ensure consistent recommendations based on existing evidence.

Copy number aberrations in benign serous ovarian tumors: a case for reclassification?

PURPOSE

Serous ovarian carcinomas are the predominant epithelial ovarian cancer subtype and it has been widely believed that some or all of these may arise from precursors derived from the ovarian surface epithelium or fimbriae, although direct molecular evidence for this is limited. This study aimed to conduct copy number (CN) analysis using a series of benign and borderline serous ovarian tumors to identify underlying genomic changes that may be indicative of early events in tumorigenesis.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

High resolution CN analysis was conducted on DNA from the epithelial and fibroblast components of a cohort of benign (N = 39) and borderline (N = 24) serous tumors using the Affymetrix OncoScan assay and SNP6.0 arrays.

RESULTS

CN aberrations were detected in the epithelium of only 2.9% (1 of 35) of serous cystadenomas and cystadenofibromas. In contrast, CN aberrations were detected in the epithelium of 67% (16 of 24) of the serous borderline tumors (SBT). Unexpectedly, CN aberrations were detected in the fibroblasts of 33% (13 of 39) of the benign serous tumors and in 15% (3 of 20) of the SBTs. Of the 16 cases with CN aberrations in the fibroblasts, 12 of these carried a gain of chromosome 12.

CONCLUSIONS

Chromosome 12 trisomy has been previously identified in pure fibromas, supporting the concept that a significant proportion of benign serous tumors are in fact primary fibromas with an associated cystic mass. This is the first high resolution genomic analysis of benign serous ovarian tumors and has shown not only that the majority of benign serous tumors have no genetic evidence of epithelial neoplasia but that a significant proportion may be more accurately classified as primary fibromas.

Incidental pelvic lesions in the oncology patient

The identification of an incidental (i.e. unexpected and asymptomatic) lesion can create a dilemma for the clinician and radiologist. The incidental abnormality may represent metastatic disease, a second primary malignancy or a benign lesion. The diagnosis and management of such incidental findings will depend in part on the clinical setting, the pathology and stage of underlying primary malignancy and the imaging features of the incidental abnormality. This article reviews the diagnosis and management of incidental pelvic lesions in the oncology patient.

Evidence review and status update on computed tomography colonography

Computed tomographic (CT) colonography is being implemented increasingly in the USA and Europe, and in many centers it has become the radiological technique of choice for imaging the whole colorectum. Although high diagnostic accuracy has been demonstrated in both screening and symptomatic populations, controversy persists regarding implementation, who should interpret the examination, and its cost effectiveness, particularly in the context of primary colorectal cancer screening. Published research in recent years has demonstrated efficacy in a wide range of patient groups, striking technical improvements, and high levels of patient acceptability. New developments continue in the fields of computer aided detection, digital cleansing, and integration into positron emission tomography. The purpose of this review is to bring the reader up-to-date with the latest developments in CT colonography, in particular, those of the last year.

The adnexal incidentaloma: a practical approach to management

There has been explosive growth in the utilization of cross-sectional imaging studies in the evaluation of patients with known or suspected abdominal and pelvic pathology. These imaging studies have led to a veritable epidemic of incidentally detected adnexal masses in both oncology and non-oncology patient populations that in the past remained undiscovered. In this commentary we provide some guidance and practical advice for further investigation and management of the adnexal incidentaloma.

Colorectal cancer screening in women: an underutilized lifesaver

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the third most common cancer diagnosed and a major cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Despite strong evidence that early screening decreases colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates, colorectal cancer screening rates in women still lag significantly behind screening rates for breast and cervical cancers. Additionally, women have been found to be less likely than men to undergo CRC screening. This is despite the fact that the overall lifetime risk for the development of colorectal carcinoma is similar in both sexes. Barriers to screening have been found to be different for women compared with men. Screening adherence in women also appears to be associated with various social and demographic factors.

CONCLUSION

CT colonography (CTC) is an accurate, minimally invasive, and well-tolerated examination that is newly endorsed by the American Cancer Society, U.S. Multisociety Task Force, and the American College of Radiology. Improved screening compliance may occur in women with further dissemination of CTC.