IOTA Simple Ultrasound Rules for Triage of Adnexal Mass: Experience from South India

The diagnostic performance of International Ovarian Tumor Analysis: Simple Rules for diagnosing ovarian tumors-a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Adnexal masses are a common health issue in gynecology; the challenge lies in the differential diagnosis of these masses. The International Ovarian Tumor Analysis Simple Rules (IOTA-SR) offers the first scoring system to aid in diagnosis. It is based on a set of five ultrasound imaging features indicative of a malignant ovarian tumor and five features indicative of a benign tumor. This review aims to assess the diagnostic performance of IOTA-SR for classifying ovarian tumors as benign or malignant.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted on MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. The terminologies "IOTA-SR", "adnexal, mass", and "ovarian tumors scoring" were employed. Twenty-seven research articles conducted from 2008 to 2022 were included in the meta-analysis; the publication outcome indicates that performance quality tests were extracted directly or indirectly, including true positive (TP), false positive (FP), true negative (TN), and false negative (FN). The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) was used to evaluate the study quality and estimate the risk of bias. After estimating the pooled effect of the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was estimated using the bivariate random effects model. Utilizing Cochran's Q statistics and Higgins's inconsistency test through the I2 index for pooled analysis, the heterogeneity of studies was quantitatively evaluated. The funnel plot and Egger's test were utilized to visually and quantitatively evaluate potential publication bias.

RESULTS

Among 27 studies, including 7,841 adnexal masses, the results of this meta-analysis showed excellent diagnostic performance with a pooled sensitivity of 92% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.89-0.94] and a pooled specificity of 92% (95% CI, 0.89-0.94). The IOTA-SR was applicable in 85.7% of adnexal masses.

CONCLUSION

The IOTA-SR is highly effective in the presurgical differentiation of malignant versus benign adnexal masses when applied by an expert ultrasonography operator.

Adnexal Masses in Pregnancy: A Single-Centre Prospective Observational Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively determine the nature of adnexal masses diagnosed during pregnancy and investigate whether ultrasound was a reliable means of assessing these.

METHODS

A single-centre prospective observational cohort study was conducted in a large tertiary referral hospital in London. Pregnant women with an adnexal mass detected at or prior to the 12-week routine ultrasound received a detailed ultrasound by a level II ultrasound practitioner at the time of detection; at 12 weeks; 20 weeks; and 6 weeks postpartum. The following outcomes were recorded: subjective impression of the mass; International Ovarian Tumor Analysis simple rules classification; resolution and intervention rate; and the incidence of complications related to the mass.

RESULTS

A total of 28,683 pregnant patients were scanned and an adnexal masses was detected in 277 patients, yielding an incidence of 1%. 274 participants were included in the analysis. Subjective impression was as follows: simple 75.9%; dermoid 29.1%; endometrioma 6.6%; haemorrhagic 3.3%; para-ovarian 2.6%; torted simple 0.7%; decidualized endometrioma 0.4%; fibroma 0.4%; theca luteal 0.4%; and borderline ovarian tumour: 0.7%. There was a significant reduction in the volume at each scan (p < 0.0001). Approximately 74.2% of the masses resolved spontaneously. Surgery was performed in 14/274: 2 antenatally, 6 at caesarean section, and 6 postpartum. In 5/247 (2%), there were complications due to the mass. Using IOTA simple rules, 272/274 (99.3%) (p < 0.0001) were classifiable. Only 1/274 (0.4%) had malignant features as per IOTA (p = 0.05). As there were no confirmed malignancies, the accuracy of IOTA simple rules could not be calculated.

CONCLUSIONS

Adnexal masses in pregnancy are uncommon and the majority spontaneously resolve. Malignancy is rare, as are complications. In the absence of concerns regarding malignancy or cyst accident, there is no need for additional monitoring of these masses during pregnancy.

Diagnostic challenges in primary ovarian carcinoid: Insights from radiological imaging-A case study

Primary ovarian carcinoid (POC) is a very rare subset of ovarian tumors, presenting diagnostic challenges due to its inconclusive radiological imaging. In this case study, we present a 30-year-old nulliparous female with subfertility complaints and irregular menstrual cycles, who was initially misdiagnosed with an ovarian cyst. Subsequent comprehensive imaging, including Color Doppler, revealed high vascularity, and prompting suspicion of malignancy. Surgical resection and histopathological evaluation ultimately confirmed the presence of a rare Carcinoid tumor, insular type. This case emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to the early detection and accurate diagnosis of POCs.

Comparison of Simple Ultrasound Rules by International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) with RMI-1 and RMI-4 (Risk of Malignancy Index) in Preoperative Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Adnexal Masses

Background

IOTA proposed Simple Ultrasound Rules in 2009 for preoperative diagnosis of ovarian masses based on ultrasound only. It is an accurate, simple and inexpensive method. RMI, however, requires CA125 level. While RMI-4 is the latest, RMI-1 is still the most widely used method. The present study was done to compare IOTA Rules with RMI-1 and RMI-4.

Purpose

To differentiate benign and malignant adnexal masses preoperatively using IOTA simple rules and compare its accuracy with RMI-1 and RMI-4.

Methods

A prospective observational study was performed from 1st November 2019 to 31st March 2021 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ABVIMS and Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi. This study was conducted on 70 patients with adnexal masses who underwent pre-operative evaluation using IOTA Simple Rules, RMI-1 and RMI-4. Histopathology was used to compare the results.

Results

Out of 70 patients, 59 (84.3%) cases were benign and 11 (15.7%) were malignant. The IOTA Rules were applicable to 60 cases (85.7%), and the results were inconclusive in 10 cases (14.3%). Where applicable, the sensitivity and specificity of the IOTA Rules (88.9% and 94.1%, respectively) were significantly higher than RMI-1 (45.5% and 93.2%, respectively) and RMI-4 (45.5% and 89.8%, respectively). When inconclusive results were included as malignant, the sensitivity of the IOTA Rules increased (88.9% vs 90.9%); however, the specificity decreased (94.1% vs 81.4%).

Conclusion

IOTA Simple Rules were more accurate at diagnosing benign from malignant adnexal masses than RMI-1 and RMI-4. However, the rules were not applicable to 14% of the cases.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Biomarkers and International Ovarian Tumor Analysis Simple Rules in Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

This study investigated whether combining International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) Simple Rules with tumor biomarkers would improve the diagnostic accuracy for early detection of adnexal malignancies. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of suspected adnexal tumors was performed in 226 women admitted for surgery at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo. Primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of the combination of adnexal mass biomarkers and IOTA Simple Rules. IOTA Simple Rules combined with biomarker indications increased the diagnostic accuracy of classifying adnexal masses. Data analysis of individual measures showed that ferritin had the lowest rate of sensitivity.

Diagnostic Performance of Ultrasound-Based International Ovarian Tumor Analysis Simple Rules and Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa Model for Predicting Malignancy in Women with Ovarian Tumors: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background

Comparative performance of various ultrasound models in diagnosing ovarian lesions has not been adequately studied. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) simple rules and Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa (ADNEX) models in women with ovarian lesions.

Methods

Women 18-80 years, with an ovarian lesion planned for surgery were recruited in this prospective observational cohort study. Preoperative risk stratification was done by both IOTA simple rules and the ADNEX model. The diagnostic performance of both models was estimated using histopathology as the gold standard.

Results

A total of 90 women were recruited into the study. The IOTA simple rules were applicable to 77 (85.5%) participants and the ADNEX model on 100% women. Both the simple rules and the ADNEX model had good diagnostic performance. The sensitivity and specificity of the IOTA simple rules for predicting malignancy was 66.6% and 91%, while that of the ADNEXA model was 80% and 94%, respectively. The maximum diagnostic accuracy for prediction of both benign and malignant tumors was obtained when cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) was combined with the IOTA ADNEX model (91.0%), but for Stage I malignancy, the maximum diagnostic accuracy was for ADNEX without CA-125 (91.0%).

Conclusion

Both the IOTA models have a good diagnostic accuracy and are of paramount importance in differentiating benign from malignant tumors and predicting the stage of the malignant disease.

Ovarian Cancer: Applications of Chickens to Humans

The lack of preclinical models of spontaneous ovarian cancer (OVCA), a fatal gynecological malignancy, is a significant barrier to generating information on early changes indicative of OVCA. In contrast to rodents, laying hens develop OVCA spontaneously, with remarkable similarities to OVCA in women regarding tumor histology, OVCA dissemination, immune responses, and risk factors. These important features of OVCA will be useful to develop an early detection test for OVCA, which would significantly reduce mortality rates; preventive strategies; immunotherapeutics; prevention of resistance to chemotherapeutics; and exploration of gene therapies. A transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) imaging method for imaging of hen ovarian tumors has been developed. Hens can be monitored prospectively by using serum markers, together with TVUS imaging, to detect early-stage OVCA, provided that a panel of serum markers can be established and imaging agents developed. Recent sequencing of the chicken genome will further facilitate the hen model to explore gene therapies against OVCA.

Prediction Models of Adnexal Masses: State-of-the-Art Review

Importance

Several predictive models and scoring systems have been developed to differentiate between benign and malignant ovarian masses, in order to guide effective management. These models use combinations of patient characteristics, ultrasound markers, and biochemical markers.

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe, compare, and prioritize, according to their strengths and qualities, all the adnexal prediction models.

Evidence Acquisition

This was a state-of-the-art review, synthesizing the findings of the current published literature on the available prediction models of adnexal masses.

Results

The existing models include subjective assessment by expert sonographers, the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis models (logistic regression models 1 and 2, Simple Rules, 3-step strategy, and ADNEX [Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa] model), the Risk of Malignancy Index, the Risk of Malignancy Ovarian Algorithm, the Gynecologic Imaging Reporting and Data System, and the Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System. Overall, subjective assessment appears to be superior to all prediction models. However, the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis models are probably the best available methods for nonexpert examiners. The Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System is an international approach that incorporates both the common European and North American approaches, but still needs to be validated.

Conclusions

Many prediction models exist for the assessment of adnexal masses. The adoption of a particular model is based on local guidelines, as well as sonographer's experience. The safety of expectant management of adnexal masses with benign ultrasound morphology is still under investigation.

Early-Stage Ovarian Malignancy Score versus Risk of Malignancy Indices: Accuracy and Clinical Utility for Preoperative Diagnosis of Women with Adnexal Masses

Background and objectives: To compare the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of the Early-stage Ovarian Malignancy (EOM) score with the Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI) in the presurgical assessment of women presenting with adnexal masses. Materials and Methods: A secondary analysis was carried out in a retrospective cohort of women who presented with an adnexal mass and were scheduled for surgery at Phrapokklao Hospital between September 2013 and December 2017. The clinical characteristics, ultrasonographic features of the masses, and preoperative CA-125 levels were recorded. The EOM and the RMI score were calculated and compared in terms of accuracy and clinical utility. Decision curve analysis (DCA), which examined the net benefit (NB) of applying the EOM and the RMI in practice at a range of threshold probabilities, was presented. Results: In this study, data from 270 patients were analyzed. Fifty-four (20.0%) women in the sample had early-stage ovarian cancer. All four RMI versions demonstrated a lower sensitivity for the detection of patients with early-stage ovarian cancer compared to an EOM score ≥ 15. An EOM ≥ 15 resulted in a higher proportion of net true positive or NB than all versions of the RMIs from a threshold probability of 5% to 30%. Conclusions: It also showed a higher capability to reduce the number of inappropriate referrals than the RMIs at a threshold probability between 5% and 30%. The EOM score showed higher diagnostic sensitivity and has the potential to be clinically more useful than the RMIs to triage women who present with adnexal masses for referral to oncologic gynecologists. Further external validation is required to support our findings.

Diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound examination for assigning a specific diagnosis to adnexal masses: A meta-analysis

Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) is a standard imaging modality for differentiating patients with benign or malignant suspected adnexal mass. To date, numerous studies have assessed the diagnostic accuracy of TVUS in various settings but with variable results. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of TVUS for the differentiation of adnexal masses. An electronic search in the Medline, Scopus, Cochrane and Embase databases from inception till November 2019 was carried out. Meta-analysis was performed to obtain pooled sensitivity and specificity of TVUS to distinguish malignant from benign adnexal masses. The quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies-2 tool was used to assess the quality of trials. A total of 41 studies with 18,391 patients were included. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of TVUS was 92% (95% CI: 90-94%) and 89% (95% CI: 85-92%), respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.84-1.00). There was considerable heterogeneity with a statistically significant chi-square test (P<0.001) and I² of 99%. Meta-regression results indicated that index test standards, patient selection bias and study design were potential sources of heterogeneity (P<0.05). The funnel plot was symmetrical and low publication bias was confirmed by an insignificant Deek's test (P=0.90). The present systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that TVUS is useful in differentiating between benign and malignant tumours among patients with suspected adnexal mass with high sensitivity and specificity.

Prospective revalidation of IOTA "two-step", "alternative two-step" and "three-step" strategies for characterization of adnexal masses - An Indian study focussing the radiology context

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to revalidate the diagnostic performance of IOTA "two step" (Simple Descriptors and Simple Rules), " alternative two step" (Simple Rules Risk Calculation tool / SRrisk score), and three step (two step with subjective assessment) strategies, for characterization of adnexal masses as benign or malignant, using histopathology as gold standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective, study comprised of 100 patients with newly diagnosed adnexal masses, who underwent ultrasound evaluation first by a level I and then by a level III investigator (EFSUMB criteria). Initially, the level I investigator evaluated each adnexal mass, applying IOTA "two-step" strategy and simultaneously assigned a risk category, by applying the simple rules risk score (SRrisk score) or performing the "alternative two step" strategy. Subsequently the inconclusive masses were evaluated by the level III investigator using "real time subjective assessment", thereby performing the third step. Following histopathology diagnosis, the performance of each strategy was evaluated using diagnostic tests.

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and diagnostic accuracy of "two-step" strategy were 87.5%, 79.2%, 89.4%, 76%, and 84.7%, respectively; those of "alternative two-step" strategy were 91.5%, 75.6%, 84.4%, 86.1% and 88%; and those of "three-step" strategy were 98.2%, 93.3%, 94.7%, 97.7% and 96%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

All IOTA strategies showed good diagnostic performance for characterization of adnexal masses and the "three-step" strategy performed best. We believe this is the first ever prospective re-validation and comparative evaluation of all three IOTA strategies by Indian Radiologists. Since ultrasound is the primary modality for evaluation of adnexal masses, based on the good results of our study, a recommendation for henceforth standard application, of the three-step IOTA strategy in routine Radiology practice appears justified. Although, IOTA strategies been proposed and validated mainly by Gynaecologists and Oncology surgeons, based on the results of our study, this paradigm can now be made to shift back to the arena of Radiology and Radiologists, the imaging experts.