Giuseppe Zarbo

MR imaging of ovarian masses: classification and differential diagnosis

AbstractObjectiveWe propose a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) guided approach to differential diagnosis of ovarian tumours based on morphological appearance.BackgroundCharacterization of ovarian lesions is of great importance in order to plan adequate therapeutic procedures, and may influence patient’s management. Optimal assessment of adnexal masses requires a multidisciplinary approach, based on physical examination, laboratory tests and imaging techniques. Primary ovarian tumours can be classified into three main categories according to tumour origin: epithelial, germ cell and sex cord-stromal tumours. Ovarian neoplasms may be benign, borderline or malignant. Using an imaging-guided approach based on morphological appearance, we classified adnexal masses into four main groups: unilocular cyst, multilocular cyst, cystic and solid, predominantly solid. We describe MR signal intensity features and enhancement behaviour of ovarian lesions using pathologically proven examples from our institution.ConclusionMRI is an essential problem-solving tool to determine the site of origin of a pelvic mass, to characterize an adnexal mass, and to detect local invasion. The main advantages of MRI are the high contrast resolution and lack of ionizing radiation exposure. Although different pathological conditions may show similar radiologic manifestations, radiologists should be aware of MRI features of ovarian lesions that may orientate differential diagnosis.Teaching Points• Diagnostic imaging plays a crucial role in detection, characterization and staging of adnexal masses. • Characterization of an ovarian lesion may influence patient’s management. • Different pathological conditions may have similar radiologic manifestations. • Non-neoplastic lesions should always be taken into consideration.

Uterine Myxoid Leiomyosarcoma Associated with Multiple Myomas in a Fertile Woman: A Case Report

A 37 year old woman was admitted to our university hospital for menometrorrhagia. The case history showed that the patient had menometrorrhagia for six months; moreover, during the abdominal examination we found a mass occupying the hipogastric and mesogastric area. The tumefaction was hard and it reached the level of the umbilicus. On combined vaginal-abdominal examination a mass on the anterior wall and multiple myomata were felt; the uterus was found to have been enlarged to the size equivalent to 18 weeks pregnancy; adnexa regular were felt. During the surgery multiple myomas were found. The largest, 10 cm diameter, was soft in consistence with a gelatinous structure. Total abdominal hysterectomy with preservation of adnexa was performed (Figure 1). Histopathological result gave evidence of myxoid leiomyosarcoma in the largest myoma, whereas the others fibroid nodes were without atypia.

Laparoscopic ablation of endometriosis in infertile patients: a retrospective study

Purpose Even at the early stage endometriosis, may be associated with infertility, whose treatment, which is not always straightforward, is often controversial. This study intends to determine the effectiveness of laparoscopic ablation of lesions at an early stage. Methods The charts of 250 women suffering from infertility, admitted from July 1998 to December 2008 to the obstetric and gynecologic departments of Vittorio Emanuele and Santo Bambino hospitals in Catania were reviewed. Among these women, 97 patients (38.8%) affected by stage 1 and 2 endometriosis were found and divided into 2 groups of 53 (A) and 44 (B) patients. According to the approach of the surgeon, group A patients underwent laparoscopic ablation of endometriotic lesions with or without adesiolysis, while group B patients only had diagnostic laparoscopy. Cumulative pregnancy rate, cumulative live birth rate, monthly fertility rate and outcome of pregnancies (miscarriages and live birth), developed within the first year soon after laparoscopy, were determined in each group. Results This study shows that, according to the literature, laparoscopic systematic destruction of minimal and mild stage endometriotic lesions, improves the cumulative pregnancy rate (49.1% in group A versus 22.7% in group B) and cumulative live birth rate (39.6% in group A versus 18.2% in group B) in selected patients. However, this type of intervention, by itself, does not normalize the monthly fertility rate that remains low in both groups (4.1% in group A and 1.9% in group B). Conclusions This study suggests that laparoscopic treatment of minimal-mild endometriotic lesions is a valid therapeutic option because it improves the fertility rate, even if it does not completely resolve the reduced fertility.