Imaging of Metastatic Disease to the Ovary/Adnexa

Abstract

Ovarian metastases tend to arise in young women, either in patients with known cancer or as the first presentation of a previously occult extraovarian malignancy. Although imaging cannot always differentiate between secondary and primary ovarian neoplasms, and pathologic confirmation is generally required, it is important to recognize suggestive imaging features on pelvic MR imaging. Ovarian metastases are commonly described as bilateral, solid, heterogenous, and hypervascular. Features vary based on the tumor origin and histology. Knowledge of these features, plus the appropriate clinical context, can help guide radiologists to include metastases in their differential diagnosis for atypical adnexal masses.

Keywords: Adnexal mass characterization; Krukenberg tumor; MR imaging; Ovarian metastases; Secondary ovarian malignancy.