Color Doppler ultrasonography and serum CA 125 in the differentiation of benign and malignant ovarian tumors

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Clinically Suspected Adnexal Mass, No Acute Symptoms

There are approximately 9.1 pelvic surgeries performed for every histologically confirmed adnexal malignancy in the United States, compared to 2.3 surgeries per malignancy (in oncology centers) and 5.9 surgeries per malignancy (in other centers) in Europe. An important prognostic factor in the long-term survival in patients with ovarian malignancy is the initial management by a gynecological oncologist. With high accuracy of imaging for adnexal mass characterization and consequent appropriate triage to subspecialty referral, the better use of gynecologic oncology can improve treatment outcomes. Ultrasound, including transabdominal, transvaginal, and duplex ultrasound, combined with MRI with contrast can diagnose adnexal masses as benign with specific features (ie, functional masses, dermoid, endometrioma, fibroma, pedunculated fibroid, hydrosalpinx, peritoneal inclusion cyst, Tarlov cyst), malignant, or indeterminate. 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.

Application Value of Color Doppler Ultrasound and Ultrasound Contrast in the Differential Diagnosis of Ovarian tumor

Objective:

To study the value of color Doppler ultrasound and ultrasound contrast in differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors.

Methods:

Ninety-six patients with ovarian tumors who were treated in our hospital from May 2017 to July 2018 and confirmed by pathological examination were selected as the research subjects. All patients were examined by color Doppler ultrasound and ultrasound contrast. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the two methods were compared, and the parameters of ultrasound contrast in the diagnosis of benign and malignant tumors were observed and compared.

Results:

The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of ultrasound contrast in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors were higher than those of color Doppler ultrasound (P<0.05). There were significant differences in the time of initiation enhancement, time to peak and perfusion intensity in the diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions by ultrasound contrast (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

In the differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors, ultrasound contrast has more advantages than color Doppler ultrasound in displaying the blood perfusion information of tumors. It has high diagnostic accuracy and clinical application value.

Management of a suspicious adnexal mass: a clinical practice guideline

QUESTIONS

What is the optimal strategy for preoperative identification of the adnexal mass suspicious for ovarian cancer? What is the most appropriate surgical procedure for a woman who presents with an adnexal mass suspicious for malignancy?

PERSPECTIVES

In Canada in 2010, 2600 new cases of ovarian cancer were estimated to have been diagnosed, and of those patients, 1750 were estimated to have died, making ovarian cancer the 7th most prevalent form of cancer and the 5th leading cause of cancer death in Canadian women. Women with ovarian cancer typically have subtle, nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel frequency, and urinary or pelvic symptoms, making early detection difficult. Thus, most ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when the cancer has spread outside the pelvis. Because of late diagnosis, the 5-year relative survival ratio for ovarian cancer in Canada is only 40%. Unfortunately, because of the low positive predictive value of potential screening tests (cancer antigen 125 and ultrasonography), there is currently no screening strategy for ovarian cancer. The purpose of this document is to identify evidence that would inform optimal recommended protocols for the identification and surgical management of adnexal masses suspicious for malignancy.

OUTCOMES

Outcomes of interest for the identification question included sensitivity and specificity. Outcomes of interest for the surgical question included optimal surgery, overall survival, progression-free or disease-free survival, reduction in the number of surgeries, morbidity, adverse events, and quality of life.

METHODOLOGY

After a systematic review, a practice guideline containing clinical recommendations relevant to patients in Ontario was drafted. The practice guideline was reviewed and approved by the Gynecology Disease Site Group and the Report Approval Panel of the Program in Evidence-based Care. External review by Ontario practitioners was obtained through a survey, the results of which were incorporated into the practice guideline.

PRACTICE GUIDELINE

These recommendations apply to adult women presenting with a suspicious adnexal mass, either symptomatic or asymptomatic. IDENTIFICATION OF AN ADNEXAL MASS SUSPICIOUS FOR OVARIAN CANCER: Sonography (particularly 3-dimensional sonography), magnetic resonance imaging (mri), and computed tomography (ct) imaging are each recommended for differentiating malignant from benign ovarian masses. However, the working group offers the following further recommendations, based on their expert consensus opinion and a consideration of availability, access, and harm: Where technically feasible, transvaginal sonography should be the modality of first choice in patients with a suspicious isolated ovarian mass.To help clarify malignant potential in patients in whom ultrasonography may be unreliable, mri is the most appropriate test.In cases in which extra-ovarian disease is suspected or needs to be ruled out, ct is the most useful technique.Evaluation of an adnexal mass by Doppler technology alone is not recommended. Doppler technology should be combined with a morphology assessment.Ultrasonography-based morphology scoring systems can be used to differentiate benign from malignant adnexal masses. These scoring systems are based on specific ultrasound parameters, each with several scores base on determined features. All evaluated scoring systems were found to have an acceptable level of sensitivity and specificity; the choice of scoring system may therefore be made based on clinician preference.As a standalone modality, serum cancer antigen 125 is not recommended for distinguishing between benign and malignant adnexal masses.Frozen sections for the intraoperative diagnosis of a suspicious adnexal mass is recommended in settings in which availability and patient preference allow. SURGICAL PROCEDURES FOR AN ADNEXAL MASS SUSPICIOUS FOR MALIGNANCY: To improve survival, comprehensive surgical staging with lymphadenectomy is recommended for the surgical management of patients with early-stage ovarian cancer. Laparoscopy is a reasonable alternative to laparotomy, provided that appropriate surgery and staging can be done. The choice between laparoscopy and laparotomy should be based on patient and clinician preference. Discussion with a gynecologic oncologist is recommended. Fertility-preserving surgery is an acceptable alternative to more extensive surgery in patients with low-malignant-potential tumours and those with well-differentiated surgical stage i ovarian cancer. Discussion with a gynecologic oncologist is recommended.

The approach to ovarian dermoids in adolescents and young women

BACKGROUND

Mature cystic teratomas (MCTs) are the most common ovarian neoplastic lesions found in adolescents. MCTs are usually asymptomatic and are often discovered incidentally on exam or imaging. The recurrence rate of MCTs following cystectomy is 3-4% and incidence of malignant transformation is estimated to be 0.17-2%. Given the accuracy with which MCTs can be diagnosed preoperatively studies suggest that these lesions can be treated surgically using laparoscopic techniques. The management of MCTs in the adolescent population poses unique challenges given the potential impact on sexual development and fertility.

CASE

A 17-year-old female was found to have bilateral adnexal masses consistent in appearance with MCTs on computed tomography after a motor vehicle accident. She underwent exploratory laparotomy with pathology confirming the presence of bilateral ovarian MCTs. Three years later she returned to the office with occasional abdominopelvic pain. Ultrasound revealed bilateral complex cysts suggestive of recurrent MCTs. She was expectantly managed with serial ultrasounds and after 24 months, slow but visible growth of the MCTs was confirmed. The patient is now 22 years old and asymptomatic. What is the most appropriate management?

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The risks of expectant management in women like the one presented are small. This suggests that although the traditional treatment for MCTs is laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, in children and adolescents with MCTs we should consider close follow-up without intervention to preserve ovarian function and future fertility.

Laparoscopy versus laparotomy for benign ovarian tumour

BACKGROUND

Over the last 10 years laparoscopy and minilaparotomy have become increasingly common approaches for the surgical removal of benign ovarian tumours. However, in the event that a tumour is found to be malignant, laparotomy is the appropriate procedure. Careful preoperative assessment including transvaginal ultrasound with morphological scoring, colour doppler assessment of vascular quality, and serum cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) level is desirable.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the benefits, harms, and cost of laparoscopy or minilaparotomy compared with laparotomy in women with benign ovarian tumours.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched electronic databases, trial registers, and reference lists of published trial reports. Reference lists from trials and review articles were searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials comparing either laparoscopy or minilaparotomy with laparotomy for benign ovarian tumours.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Eight review authors independently assessed the eligibility and quality of each study and extracted the data.

MAIN RESULTS

The results of nine randomised controlled trials (N = 482 women) showed that laparoscopic surgery was associated with fewer adverse events of surgery (surgical injury or postoperative complications including fever or infection) (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.5), less postoperative pain (VAS score WMD -2.4, 95% CI -2.7 to -2.0), greater likelihood of being pain free after two days (OR 7.42, 95% CI 4.86 to 11.33), and fewer days in hospital (WMD -2.88, 95% CI -3.1 to -2.7) than with laparotomy.In one study that reported costs, laparoscopy was associated with a significant reduction in costs compared to laparotomy (WMD - USD 1045, 95% CI -1348 to -742) in 1993. Very high levels of heterogeneity made it inappropriate to pool data on duration of surgery.Three RCTs compared laparoscopy versus minilaparotomy and found that laparoscopy was associated with reduced odds of any adverse event (surgical injury or postoperative complications) (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0 to 0.8) and lower VAS scores for pain (WMD -1.0, 95% CI -1.6 to -0.45). Duration of hospital stay ranged between 1 and 2.2 days, with substantial heterogeneity.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In women undergoing surgery for benign ovarian tumours, laparoscopy was associated with a reduction in fever, urinary tract infection, postoperative complications, postoperative pain, number of days in hospital, and total cost. These findings should be interpreted with caution since only a small number of studies were identified. These included a total of only 769 women and not all of the important outcomes were reported in each study.

Laparoscopy versus laparotomy for benign ovarian tumor: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To determine the efficacy, safety, and cost of laparoscopic surgery compared with laparotomy in women with ovarian tumors assumed to be benign. This study is a systematic review. We searched (MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and COCHRANE LIBRARY) trials registers and reference lists of published trial reports. Six randomized controlled trials were identified involving 324 patients. Duration of surgery, adverse effects of surgery, pain, length of hospital stay, and economic outcomes were compared. The mean duration of surgery was longer in the laparoscopy group overall (weighted mean difference 11.39, 95% CI 0.57-22.22). The pooled estimate for febrile morbidity decreased for laparoscopy (Peto OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.13-0.88). The odds of any adverse effect were decreased after laparoscopic procedures (Peto OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.12-0.55). The odds of being pain free were significantly greater for the laparoscopy group (Peto OR 7.35, 95% CI 4.3-12.56). Mean length of hospital stay was shorter in the laparoscopy group with reduction of 2.79 days (95% CI -2.95 to -2.62). In economic outcomes, there was a significant reduction of US$1045 (95% CI -1361 to -726.97) in the laparoscopy group. Laparoscopy is associated with a reduction in the following: febrile morbidity, urinary tract infection, postoperative complications, postoperative pain, days in hospital, and total cost. These findings should be interpreted with caution as only a small number of studies were identified including a total of only 324 women.

Ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma

Our objective was to compare US, CT, and MR imaging in differentiation of malignant from benign ovarian tumors. Through an electronic literature search and manual review of bibliographies (January 1990 to June 2006), relevant studies on the diagnostic performance of US, CT, and MR imaging in the differentiation between benign and malignant ovarian tumours were identified. Sixty-nine articles were included, yielding 143 studies. Data on the accuracy of the different imaging modalities were analyzed and compared by constructing summary receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Our results suggest that US techniques seems to be similar with CT and MRI in differentiation of malignant from benign ovarian tumors. The results also revealed that color Doppler flow imaging alone is significantly inferior to combined US techniques, morphologic assessment alone and contrast enhanced US in diagnosis of ovarian cancer. In conclusion, US morphologic assessment still is the most important and common modality in detect ovarian cancer.

Recurrence and prognostic factors in borderline ovarian tumors

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival estimates and clinico-pathological variables in patients treated for borderline ovarian tumors.

METHODS

The patients treated for borderline ovarian tumors were evaluated retrospectively. Data were obtained from hospital records and special gynecologic oncology forms.

RESULTS

Overall, 100 patients were evaluated. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 41.7 (range, 19-84). Seventy one (71%) patients underwent surgical staging including 49 (49%) of them with comprehensive surgical staging, 22 (22%) with fertility-sparing surgery. Only 30 (30%) patients were unstaged. The histopathological diagnosis was serous, mucinous, and the other types of borderline ovarian tumor in 54 (54%), 39 (39%), and 7 (7%) of the patients, respectively. Seventy patients had stage IA (70%), 10 had stage IB (10%), 9 had stage IC (9%), 3 had stage IIIA (3%), and 8 had stage IIIC (8%) disease. The stage of only four patients in which disease confined to ovary was upgraded as stage IIIC following surgical staging procedure. The recurrence rate was found 3% (3). The overall disease-free survival rates of BOT in surgically staged (comprehensive, fertility-sparing surgery) and unstaged patients were 97.92%, 95.00%, and 96.30%, respectively. But, the overall tumor-free survival was significantly found to be decreased in cases of young age (<30 years old), performing fertility-sparing surgery and presence of micropapillary architecture or peritoneal implants. Overall survival rates of BOT in surgically staged (comprehensive, fertility-sparing surgery) and unstaged patients were 97.9%, and 100% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Low malignant potential ovarian tumors have excellent survival, and the patients can be treated safely by conservative surgery.

Laparoscopy versus laparotomy for benign ovarian tumours

BACKGROUND

Over the last ten years laparoscopy has become an increasingly common approach for the surgical removal of benign ovarian tumours. There remains uncertainty as to the value of this intervention. This review has been undertaken to assess the available evidence for the benefits and harms of laparoscopic surgery for benign ovarian tumours compared to laparotomy.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy, safety and cost of laparoscopic surgery compared with laparotomy in women with ovarian tumours assumed to be benign.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched electronic databases, trials registers and reference lists of published trial reports. Review articles were also searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials comparing laparoscopy versus laparotomy for benign ovarian tumours.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three reviewers independently assessed each study's eligibility and quality and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

Six randomised controlled trials were identified involving 324 patients. Three subgroups of ovarian tumours were considered: any histological type of benign ovarian tumour, dermoid cysts and endometriomata. Surgical outcomes: The mean duration of surgery was longer in the laparoscopy group compared to the laparotomy group overall (WMD 11.39; 95% CI 0.57 to 22.22). However, heterogeneity was present with substantial inconsistency (I(2)=87%) . The heterogeneity found in these analyses was likely to reflect differences in the patient populations. Adverse effects of surgery: The pooled estimate for febrile morbidity decreased for laparoscopy compared to laparotomy (Peto OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.88). The odds of any adverse effect of surgery (total number of complications - surgical injury and/or post operative complications) were decreased after laparoscopic procedures (Peto OR 0.26; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.55). Short-term recovery: VAS pain scores favoured laparoscopy (WMD -2.36; 95% CI -2.07 to -2.03) andt he odds of being pain free were significantly greater for the laparoscopy group compared to laparotomy (Peto OR 7.35; 95% CI 4.3 to 12.56). Mean length of hospital stay was shorter in the laparoscopy group with reduction 2.79 days (95% CI -2.95 to -2.62) compared to laparotomy. Economic outcomes: There was a significant reduction of US$1045 (95% CI -1361 to -726.97) in the laparoscopy group compared to the laparotomy group in one trial of women with any type of benign ovarian tumour.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In women undergoing surgery for benign ovarian tumours, laparoscopy is associated with a reduction in the following; febrile morbidity, urinary tract infection, post operative complications, post operative pain, days in hospital and total cost. These findings should be interpreted with caution as only a small number of studies were identified including a total of only 324 women and not all of the important outcomes were reported in each study.

Whole-body positron emission tomography and positron emission tomography/computed tomography in gynecologic oncology

The advent of positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/computed tomography (CT) now enables us to detect metabolically active gynecologic cancers with greater accuracy than was possible with anatomic imagings. Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET has been useful in differentiation of malignant from benign lymph nodes, and residual or recurrent cancers from post-treatment changes. PET/CT produces additional information for the diagnosis and tissue biopsy as well as radiotherapy planning. This paper reviews the principle and clinical utility of PET and PET/CT in the diagnosis, staging, recurrence, therapeutic response as well as prognosis of gynecologic cancers.

Can colour Doppler ultrasonography predict the prognosis of endometrial hyperplasia?

Long-term follow up is required for early diagnosis of transformation of endometrial hyperplasia into malignancy. Transvaginal colour Doppler ultrasonography is a sensitive, specific and relatively non-invasive method of follow up.

Color Doppler energy prediction of malignancy in adnexal masses using logistic regression models

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of color Doppler energy in the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian malignancy using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty adnexal masses were studied with transvaginal B-mode, color energy, and pulsed Doppler ultrasonography before surgery in order to develop a model that could be used to determine malignancy. Each ultrasonographic variable (tumor size, wall thickness, septal structure, echogenicity, papillary projection, density (solid or not)) was included individually or combined together as part of the Sassone ultrasound score. Intratumoral blood flow velocity waveforms were obtained to determine pulsatility index and resistance index and a more subjective parameter, location of tumor vascularity, was also assessed. Menopausal status and serum CA 125 levels were also entered as categorical variables. Sonographic parameters were entered alone, then associated with menopausal status and CA 125 serum levels, and finally with Doppler energy measurements. Our model was then validated in a group of 68 adnexal masses and compared to the model of Alcazar.

RESULTS

Eighteen adnexal masses (13.8%) were malignant or of low malignant potential. Multivariate analysis showed that papillary projection of the tumor wall, cyst with solid parts, resistance index with a cut-off value of 0.53, CA 125, and central blood flow location, were the only factors to be independent predictors of malignancy. Menopausal status was not an independent factor. For the final model including the Doppler energy parameter the best sensitivity and specificity were 83% and 93%, respectively, at a cut-off value of 10% probability of malignancy compared to 83% and 87% for the morphological variables alone. Validation of the model showed its diagnostic performance to be as good as that reported in the original population and better than the model of Alcazar.

CONCLUSION

Sonographic analysis of adnexal masses including color Doppler energy shows the best predictive properties according to histological diagnosis, and improves preoperative diagnosis of malignancy.

Gynecologic ultrasound

For most women, pelvic sonography using a transvaginal probe is the imaging modality of choice for evaluating the uterus and adnexae. It is reliable for detecting ovarian cysts and other adnexal masses, and it can often determine if a lesion can be observed on serial examinations or if it requires more urgent attention. Uterine ultrasound is reliable for evaluating both the normal and abnormal endometrium and myometrium. In cases that are technically limited, or in those that are difficult to interpret, a tailored MR imaging examination often can be helpful.

US characterization of ovarian masses: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To compare the effectiveness of current ultrasonographic (US) techniques for characterizing ovarian masses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Through a MEDLINE literature search, articles with imaging-histopathologic correlation and data that allowed calculation of contingency tables were identified. Results of morphologic assessment, Doppler US, color Doppler flow imaging, and combined techniques were compared.

RESULTS

Among 89 data sets from 46 included studies (5,159 subjects), 35 sets used morphologic information, 36 measured Doppler US indexes, 10 assessed tumor vascularity with color Doppler flow imaging, and eight used combined techniques. Summary receiver operating characteristic curves revealed significantly higher performance for combined techniques than for morphologic information (P: =.003), Doppler US indexes (P: =.003), or color Doppler flow imaging alone (P: =.001). The Q* point (and 95% CI) for combined techniques was 0.92 (0.87, 0.96) versus 0. 85 (0.83, 0.88) for morphology, 0.82 (0.78, 0.86) for Doppler US, and 0.73 (0.58, 0.87) for color Doppler flow imaging. Morphologic assessment showed a trend toward better performance than color Doppler flow imaging (P: =.09) or Doppler US indexes (P: =.07). Doppler US index results were better in earlier studies (P: =.005).

CONCLUSION

Combined US techniques and a diagnostic algorithm perform significantly better than morphologic assessment, color Doppler flow imaging, or Doppler US indexes alone in characterizing ovarian masses.

CA 125 measurement and ultrasonography in borderline tumors of the ovary

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to perform an analysis of ultrasonographic characteristics and CA 125 levels in ovarian tumors of borderline malignancy.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective analysis of CA 125 levels and ultrasonographic parameters in 91 patients with borderline tumors.

RESULTS

Serous tumors of borderline malignancy were associated with elevated CA 125 levels in 75% of patients before surgery (mean, 156 IU/mL) compared with 30% of mucinous tumors (mean, 28 IU/mL; P =.004). CA 125 was elevated in 35% of stage IA serous tumors (mean, 67 IU/mL) compared with 89% of tumors with spread beyond the ovary (mean, 259 IU/mL; P =.001). Mucinous tumors tended to be bigger (13.1 +/- 7 cm) on ultrasonography than serous tumors (9.3 +/- 6.2 cm, P =.016). Mucinous tumors were multilocular in half the patients and contained papillations in 40% of the patients. Serous tumors were multilocular in 30% of the patients but presented with solid or papillary patterns in 78% of the patients (P =.001). A resistance index of <0.4 was found in 36% of mucinous tumors and half the cases of serous tumors. In 13% of patients, ultrasonographic characteristics were compatible with a simple cyst only, including 1 patient with microinvasion and 1 patient with stage IIIB disease. Sensitivity of gray-scale ultrasonography was 87%, that of CA 125 measurement was 62%, and that of flow was 55%. At least 1 diagnostic test result was abnormal in 93% of patients, 2 were abnormal in 69% of patients, and all 3 were abnormal in 21% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of borderline tumors of the ovary, particularly of the serous type, were associated with elevated CA 125 levels and abnormal ultrasonographic characteristics, although some tumors presented as simple cysts.

Transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonic characterization of benign and malignant ovarian cystic teratomas and comparison with serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen

BACKGROUND

The preoperative diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising in mature cystic teratoma of the ovary remains difficult. The purpose of this study is to examine the usefulness of transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound (TV-CDU) in differentiating malignant (SCC) from benign cystic teratoma of the ovary.

METHODS

Eighty-eight patients with an ovarian tumor showing gray scale sonographic appearances of mature cystic teratoma were preoperatively evaluated for the presence or absence of intratumoral blood flow by TV-CDU. The blood flow characteristics of the tumor vessels were analyzed using the resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), and peak systolic velocity (PSV). The serum levels of SCC antigen were also randomly examined preoperatively in 50 patients.

RESULTS

Intratumoral blood flow was significantly detected in malignant teratomas (SCCs) (80.0%; 4 of 5) compared with benign teratomas (20.5%; 17 of 83) (P < 0.01). All malignant teratomas with intratumoral blood flow showed both RI less than 0.4 and PI less than 0.6, whereas no benign teratomas showed any such value except for 1 case with struma ovarii. In addition, both the mean RI and the mean PI values in the tumor vessels were significantly lower in the malignant teratomas (RI: 0.31 +/- 0.07; PI: 0.40 +/- 0.16) than in the benign teratomas (RI: 0.62 +/- 0.13; PI: 1.06 +/- 0.44) (P < 0.001). However, the mean PSV value of the malignant teratomas (PSV: 20.6 +/- 8.33) was not significantly different from the benign teratomas (PSV: 18.1 +/- 9.9). Elevation of serum SCC was found in 4 of 5 patients (80%) with malignant teratomas, whereas the elevation was found in 11 of 45 patients (24.4%) with benign teratomas (P < 0.05). The diagnostic accuracy using the RI (cutoff value 0.4) as well as the PI (cutoff value 0.6) was thus 95.2%, which was significantly superior to that obtained by using the serum SCC (76%) (cutoff value, 1.5 ng/mL).

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluating the presence or absence of intratumoral blood flow, together with blood flow resistance, in tumor vessels using TV-CDU thus may be more useful to differentiate malignant (SCC) from benign cystic teratomas of the ovary than by measuring serum SCC levels.

Transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography and CA-125 in suspicious adnexal masses

OBJECTIVE

To compare diagnostic performance of color Doppler ultrasound and CA-125 in suspicious adnexal masses on B-mode sonography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data on 94 patients (mean age: 47.4 years, range: 17-79 years. Fifty-two (55.3%) premenopausal and 42 (44.7%) postmenopausal women) managed in our institution because of a suspicious adnexal mass were reviewed. All patients were evaluated by transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography (CD) and serum CA-125 level determination prior to surgery. Definitive histopathological diagnosis was obtained in each case. Sonographic morphology evaluation was suspicious in all cases. CD was considered as suspicious when flow was detected and the lowest RI found was < or = 0.45. CA-125 cut-off was > or = 35 UI/ml. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for each method and compared. ROC analysis was performed for RI and CA-125. Areas under curve (AUC) were calculated and compared.

RESULTS

Fifty-six (59.6%) tumors were found to be malignant and 38 (40.4%) benign. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for CD were 87.5% (95% CIs: 75.3-94.4), 84.2% (95% CIs: 68.7-94), 89.1% (95% CIs: 77.7-95.9) and 82.1% (95% CIs: 66.5-92.5), respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for CA-125 were 83.9% (95% CIs: 71.7-92.4), 68.4% (95% CIs: 51.3-82.5), 79.7% (95% CIs: 66.2-89) and 74.3% (95% CIs: 56.7-87.5), respectively. Sensitivity, PPV and NPV were not statistically different. CD had higher specificity (P = 0.01). AUC curve for Doppler (0.75) was significantly higher than for CA-125 (0.61) (P = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that color Doppler ultrasound has a better diagnostic performance as compared with CA-125, being significantly more specific.

B-mode, utero-ovarian and intratumoural transvaginal colour Doppler ultrasonography for differential diagnosis of ovarian tumours

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the use of B-mode transvaginal, utero-ovarian Doppler and intratumoural colour Doppler imaging in the diagnosis of ovarian tumours in order to establish whether they are organic or functional, and malignant or benign in nature prior to surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

A series of 213 women between the ages of 15 and 87 presenting ovarian tumours were examined with pulsed and colour Doppler and the functional state of the ovary at the time of the exploration was also established. Size and morphology were evaluated through a new scoring system called sonographic index. This score is calculated as the sum of the points corresponding to tumoural volume (< or = 8 ml = 1 point; > 8 ml and < or = 100 ml = 2 points; > 100 ml = 3 points) and the points corresponding to morphological characteristics (negative echogenicity = 1 point; mixed echogenicity = 2 points; multilocular morphology = 3 points; complex morphology = 4 points; positive echogenicity = 5 points) varying between 2 and 8 points. The flow velocity waveform (FVW) of the utero-ovarian and intratumoural arteries were obtained and analyzed after assessing their resistance indices. Other parameters studied were the presence and location of the colour signal in the intratumoural arteries.

RESULTS

Of the total, 84 of the tumours were found to be functional and had disappeared by the time later examinations took place. Surgery was performed in 129 of the patients, and posterior histopathological studies permitted classifying the tumours as benign in 107 cases and malignant in 22. The sonographic index was significantly higher in the organic (4.9 +/- 1.5) and malignant (6.9 +/- 1.0) tumours than in the functional (3.6 +/- 1.5) and the benign (4.1 +/- 1.2) tumours. The utero-ovarian and intratumoural blood flow RIs in the malignant tumours (0.48 +/- 0.12 and 0.43 +/- 0.08, respectively) was significantly lower than in the benign tumours (0.83 +/- 0.12 and 0.58 +/- 0.15, respectively). There were no significant differences in the utero-ovarian and intratumoural blood flow RIs when organic and functional tumours were compared. In all of the malignant tumours a colour signal was identified; it was centrally located in 90% of the cases. A colour signal was observed in 83% of the functional tumours, and in 52% of the organic benign tumours. In the benign tumours the colour signal was peripherally located in 98% of the cases. The variables for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and precision when organic tumours were diagnosed were 82.9, 65.5, 78.7, 71.4 and 76.1 for a sonographic index where the score was > or = 4; the values for the utero-ovarian RI were 48.4, 90.4, 88.4, 53.6 and 65.1 (cut-off 0.55 > or = RI > or = 0.90); the values for the intratumoural RI were 56.5, 68.6, 54.2, 70.6 and 63.8 (cut-off < or = 0.55). When malignancy was diagnosed these variables were 95.5, 82.2, 38.2, 99.4 and 83.6 for the sonographic index (score > or = 6); 90.9, 98.9, 90.0, 98.9 and 98.1 for the utero-ovarian RI (cut-off < or = 0.55) and 80.0, 66.7, 33.3, 94.1 and 69.0 for the intratumoural RI (cut-off < or = 0.50). The number of false positives diagnosed on the basis of the intratumoural RI decreased when cases that had been evaluated during the luteal phase were excluded from the study. Notwithstanding, the phase of the cycle does not seem to interfere with the diagnosis when utero-ovarian Doppler imaging is used.

CONCLUSIONS

B-mode transvaginal ultrasonography and utero-ovarian Doppler velocimetry seem to complement each other to aid in differentiating between organic and functional ovarian tumours. Transvaginal ultrasonography and Doppler imaging provide good results for the diagnosis of malignancy, although the utero-ovarian RI reduces the number of false positives that occur with ultrasonography. Our group, therefore, believes that the combined use of these techniques is beneficial in the clinical d

Laparoscopic conservative removal of ovarian dermoid cysts

We compared the efficacy of two dissection methods of ovarian dermoid laparoscopic cystectomy in 41 women (age 17-38 yrs) who desired future fertility. Blunt dissection and scissors were used in 21 patients (group A), and aquadissection in 20 (group B). The mean size of the cysts was comparable in both groups. The mean operating time for aquadissection was 59.3 minutes compared with 78.4 minutes for blunt dissection and scissors (p <0.05). Intraoperative spillage was significantly less common with aquadissection because with this method it is easier to avoid cyst rupture. No complication occurred with either method. Hospital stay was similar in both groups. Operative laparoscopy is a safe and effective method in the management of ovarian dermoid cysts.

A comparison of intratumoural indices of blood flow velocity and impedance for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer

The aim was to assess the value of blood flow velocity indices in an ultrasound-based test to discriminate between malignant and benign adnexal tumours. Fifty-one women (35 premenopausal and 16 postmenopausal) with persistent adnexal masses were scanned prior to surgery using transvaginal sonography with colour Doppler imaging. Intratumoural flow velocity waveforms obtained by pulsed Doppler sonography were used to determine the time averaged maximum velocity (TAMXV), peak systolic velocity (PSV), pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI). The tumours were classified by histologic criteria (42 benign, 1 borderline and 8 malignant tumours). Two of the malignant and the single borderline tumour were stage I, five were stage III and one was stage IV. Detectable blood flow signals were found in all malignant and borderline tumours and in 33 of 42 (78.6%) of the benign tumours. TAMXV was the best parameter for discrimination of benign and malignant adnexal pathology and at a cut-off value of TAMXV > or = 12 cm/s to indicate malignancy, the sensitivity and specificity were 88.9% and 81.0%, respectively. At the same sensitivity level, this gave a better specificity than the PI < or = 0.90 (specificity 61.9%, P = 0.036), RI < or = 0.60 (specificity 54.8%, P = 0.010) and PSV > or = 16 cm/s (specificity 71.4%, P = 0.121). Discrimination between benign and malignant tumours was improved further by using two criteria rather than one. When the two criteria of a TAMXV of > or = 12 cm/s and a PI < or = 1.0 were applied simultaneously, the tumours could be characterised with a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 88.1%. Therefore, intratumoural PSV and TAMXV could be used to discriminate between benign and malignant adnexal tumours better than values for PI and RI. The best discrimination was achieved by using a combination of cut-off values for velocity and impedance parameters as two criteria to define malignancy.