Role of diffusion weighted MRI in the differential diagnosis of endometrial cancer, polyp, hyperplasia, and physiological thickening

Clin Imaging. 2017 Jan-Feb:41:86-94. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2016.10.016. Epub 2016 Oct 20.

Abstract

Our purpose was to evaluate the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the diagnosis of various common pathologies of the uterine cavity, by comparing them with contrast-enhanced MRI findings. One hundred sixty-four patients with lesions in endometrial cavity were included in the study. The patients were grouped in four (one malignant and three benign groups). We have observed that the differences of the apparent diffusion coefficient, b1000q, and Cq values between various common benign and malignant lesions were statistically significant (P<.001). However, the differences of the values between benign groups were not statistically significant (P>.05). Alternatively, endometrial polyp group's signal intensity on DWI was different than the other groups.

Keywords: Diffusion-weighted MRI; Endometrial cancer; Endometrial hyperplasia; Endometrial polyp; Endometrial thickness.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Contrast Media
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Endometrium / diagnostic imaging*
  • Endometrium / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia
  • Image Enhancement
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyps / diagnostic imaging*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Contrast Media