Simple ultrasound rules to distinguish between benign and malignant adnexal masses before surgery: prospective validation by IOTA group

Comparison of O-RADS with the ADNEX model and IOTA SR for risk stratification of adnexal lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

This study aims to systematically compare the diagnostic performance of the Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System with the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis Simple Rules and the Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa model for risk stratification of ovarian cancer and adnexal masses.

Methods

A literature search of online databases for relevant studies up to July 2023 was conducted by two independent reviewers. The summary estimates were pooled with the hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristic model. The quality of the included studies was assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 and the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-Comparative Tool. Metaregression and subgroup analyses were performed to explore the impact of varying clinical settings.

Results

A total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for eight head-to-head studies between the Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System and the Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa model were 0.96 (95% CI 0.92-0.98) and 0.82 (95% CI 0.71-0.90) vs. 0.94 (95% CI 0.91-0.95) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.77-0.88), respectively, and for seven head-to-head studies between the Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System and the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis Simple Rules, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.95 (95% CI 0.93-0.97) and 0.75 (95% CI 0.62-0.85) vs. 0.91 (95% CI 0.82-0.96) and 0.86 (95% CI 0.76-0.93), respectively. No significant differences were found between the Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System and the Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa model as well as the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis Simple Rules in terms of sensitivity (P = 0.57 and P = 0.21) and specificity (P = 0.87 and P = 0.12). Substantial heterogeneity was observed among the studies for all three guidelines.

Conclusion

All three guidelines demonstrated high diagnostic performance, and no significant differences in terms of sensitivity or specificity were observed between the three guidelines.

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.

Endometriosis-Related Ovarian Cancer: Where Are We Now? A Narrative Review towards a Pragmatic Approach

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis affects more than 10% of reproductive-aged women, causing pelvic pain and infertility. Despite the benign nature of endometriosis, ovarian endometriomas carry a higher risk of developing endometrioid carcinomas (EnOCs) and clear cell ovarian carcinomas (CCCs). Atypical endometriosis, defined as cytological atypia resembling intraepithelial cancer, is considered the precursor of endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC). This narrative review aims to provide an overview of EAOC, proposing a practical approach to clinical and therapeutic decision making.

METHODS

An electronic literature search was conducted from inception up to January 2023, using the MEDLINE database via PubMed to evaluate the existing literature on EAOC, including its pathogenesis, the diagnostic process, and the therapeutic possibilities, with articles not relevant to the topic or lacking scientific merit being excluded.

RESULTS

Eighty-one articles were included in the review to present the current state of the art regarding EAOC. A pragmatic clinical flowchart is proposed to guide therapeutic decisions and improve patient outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Endometriosis patients may have an increased risk of developing EAOC (either EnOC or CCC). Despite not being fully accepted, the concept of AE may reshape the endometriosis-ovarian cancer relationship. Further research is needed to understand the unaddressed issues.

Evaluation of American College of Radiology Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System ultrasound to predict malignancy risk in adnexal lesions

AIMS

To validate the diagnostic performance of Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) ultrasound for preoperative adnexal lesions in an external center. The secondary aim was to evaluate the performance of a strategy test including O-RADS ultrasound evaluation and subjective assessment of higher malignant risk lesions.

METHODS

One hundred thirty patients with 158 ovarian-adnexal lesions were enrolled in the study. Each lesion was assigned an O-RADS score after real-time ultrasound examination by one experienced radiologist. A second subjective assessment by an expert was performed for O-RADS 4 and O-RADS 5 lesions. The histopathological diagnosis was used as the reference standard.

RESULTS

A total of 126 benign and 32 malignant adnexal masses were included in the study. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of O-RADS ultrasound was 0.950, with a cutoff value > O-RADS 3. The sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values were 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.867-1), 83.3% (95% CI, 0.754-0.892), 60.4% (95% CI, 0.460-0.732), and 100% (95% CI, 0.956-1), respectively. For the strategy test, the sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values were 100% (95% CI, 0.867-1), 92.1% (95% CI, 0.855-0.959), 76.2% (95% CI, 0.602-0.874), and 100% (95% CI, 0.960-1), respectively. In comparison with O-RADS ultrasound, the specificity and negative predictive value of the strategy test were slightly higher (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Good diagnostic performance of the O-RADS ultrasound in adnexal lesions can be achieved by experienced radiologists in clinical practice. A second subjective assessment of sonographic findings can be applied to O-RADS 4 and 5 lesions.

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.

O-RADS MRI to classify adnexal tumors: from clinical problem to daily use

Eighteen to 35% of adnexal masses remain non-classified following ultrasonography, leading to unnecessary surgeries and inappropriate management. This finding led to the conclusion that ultrasonography was insufficient to accurately assess adnexal masses and that a standardized MRI criteria could improve these patients' management. The aim of this work is to present the different steps from the identification of the clinical issue to the daily use of a score and its inclusion in the latest international guidelines. The different steps were the following: (1) preliminary work to formalize the issue, (2) physiopathological analysis and finding dynamic parameters relevant to increase MRI performances, (3) construction and internal validation of a score to predict the nature of the lesion, (4) external multicentric validation (the EURAD study) of the score named O-RADS MRI, and (5) communication and education work to spread its use and inclusion in guidelines. Future steps will include studies at patients' levels and a cost-efficiency analysis. Critical relevance statement We present translating radiological research into a clinical application based on a step-by-step structured and systematic approach methodology to validate MR imaging for the characterization of adnexal mass with the ultimate step of incorporation in the latest worldwide guidelines of the O-RADS MRI reporting system that allows to distinguish benign from malignant ovarian masses with a sensitivity and specificity higher than 90%. Key points • The initial diagnostic test accuracy studies show the limitation of a preoperative assessment of adnexal masses using solely ultrasonography.• The technical developments (DCE/DWI) were investigated with the value of dynamic MRI to accurately predict the nature of benign or malignant lesions to improve management.• The first developing score named ADNEX MR Score was constructed using multiple easily assessed criteria on MRI to classify indeterminate adnexal lesions following ultrasonography.• The multicentric adnexal study externally validated the score creating the O-RADS MR score and leading to its inclusion for daily use in international guidelines.

IOTA simple rules: An efficient tool for evaluation of ovarian tumors by non-experienced but trained examiners - A prospective study

Objectives

A simple and efficient tool for evaluating ovarian tumors in general hospitals where radiologists without experience in gynecological ultrasound is necessary. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of IOTA simple rules in initial classification of ovarian tumors by non-experienced examiners who have received simple training.

Materials and method

A prospective single-center study was conducted at Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Three resident gynecologists trained themselves for two weeks and then received hands-on practice under the supervision of experts for another two weeks. The examiners performed ultrasound on 424 eligible women scheduled for surgery for ovarian tumors and classified the tumors based on IOTA simple rules. The postoperative pathology of ovarian tumors was used as the gold standard.

Results

90.8 % (385/424) of the tumors were benign. Simple rules were applicable in 399/424 (94.1 %) tumors, with a sensitivity of 84.8 % (95 % CI, 70.2-94.3), specificity of 98.9 % (95 % CI, 97.5-99.7), positive predictive value of 87.5 % (95 % CI, 73.3-95.9), and negative predictive value of 98.6 % (95 % CI, 97.1-99.5). The sensitivity of IOTA simple rules was higher in postmenopausal women (91.7 % vs. 81.0 %), while the specificity was higher in premenopausal women (99.4 % vs. 95.8 %). Accuracy was 100 % in all ten pregnant women were assessed using these rules.

Conclusion

In conclusion, in the hands of non-expert examiners who were trained thoroughly, IOTA simple rules are a simple and efficient tool for clinical practice in centers where expert radiologists in gynecology are not always available. The training program is simple and could be applied widely in other clinical centers. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the IOTA simple rules in assessing ovarian tumors among pregnant women.

Deep learning in ovarian cancer diagnosis: a comprehensive review of various imaging modalities

Ovarian cancer poses a major worldwide health issue, marked by high death rates and a deficiency in reliable diagnostic methods. The precise and prompt detection of ovarian cancer holds great importance in advancing patient outcomes and determining suitable treatment plans. Medical imaging techniques are vital in diagnosing ovarian cancer, but achieving accurate diagnoses remains challenging. Deep learning (DL), particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), has emerged as a promising solution to improve the accuracy of ovarian cancer detection. This systematic review explores the role of DL in improving the diagnostic accuracy for ovarian cancer. The methodology involved the establishment of research questions, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a comprehensive search strategy across relevant databases. The selected studies focused on DL techniques applied to ovarian cancer diagnosis using medical imaging modalities, as well as tumour differentiation and radiomics. Data extraction, analysis, and synthesis were performed to summarize the characteristics and findings of the selected studies. The review emphasizes the potential of DL in enhancing the diagnosis of ovarian cancer by accelerating the diagnostic process and offering more precise and efficient solutions. DL models have demonstrated their effectiveness in categorizing ovarian tissues and achieving comparable diagnostic performance to that of experienced radiologists. The integration of DL into ovarian cancer diagnosis holds the promise of improving patient outcomes, refining treatment approaches, and supporting well-informed decision-making. Nevertheless, additional research and validation are necessary to ensure the dependability and applicability of DL models in everyday clinical settings.

Artificial Intelligence in Ultrasound Diagnoses of Ovarian Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common malignancy, with a 35% survival rate across all stages at 10 years. Ultrasound is widely used for ovarian tumour diagnosis, and accurate pre-operative diagnosis is essential for appropriate patient management. Artificial intelligence is an emerging field within gynaecology and has been shown to aid in the ultrasound diagnosis of ovarian cancers. For this study, Embase and MEDLINE databases were searched, and all original clinical studies that used artificial intelligence in ultrasound examinations for the diagnosis of ovarian malignancies were screened. Studies using histopathological findings as the standard were included. The diagnostic performance of each study was analysed, and all the diagnostic performances were pooled and assessed. The initial search identified 3726 papers, of which 63 were suitable for abstract screening. Fourteen studies that used artificial intelligence in ultrasound diagnoses of ovarian malignancies and had histopathological findings as a standard were included in the final analysis, each of which had different sample sizes and used different methods; these studies examined a combined total of 15,358 ultrasound images. The overall sensitivity was 81% (95% CI, 0.80-0.82), and specificity was 92% (95% CI, 0.92-0.93), indicating that artificial intelligence demonstrates good performance in ultrasound diagnoses of ovarian cancer. Further prospective work is required to further validate AI for its use in clinical practice.

[Ovarian masses in infants and children]

BACKGROUND

Abnormalities of the ovary are frequently seen on ultrasound examination, sometimes symptomatic, but are more commonly asymptomatic.

PURPOSE

Presentation of the most important entities of ovarian masses and their imaging features in infants and children. Discussion of criteria for differentiation between benign and potentially malignant masses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Review of current literature and presentation of image examples.

RESULTS

The most common lesions are ovarian cysts in infants, which usually do not require therapy. Because of the risk of torsion, surgery should be discussed for lesions with a size of 5 cm or more. Benign teratomas represent three-quarters of all solid tumors of the infantile ovary. Malignant masses are rare. The task of imaging is to assess the potential risk of malignancy, also using imaging scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Imaging plays a crucial role for therapeutic considerations. Depending on the potential risk, ovarian-sparing surgery is preferred to preserve fertility, as long as the oncologic risk is reasonable.

Current uptake and barriers to wider use of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) models in Dutch gynaecological practice

OBJECTIVE

Correct referral of women with an ovarian tumor to an oncology department remains challenging. The International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) consortium has developed models with higher diagnostic accuracy than the alternative Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI). This study explores the uptake of the IOTA models in Dutch hospitals and factors that impede or promote implementation. Optimal implementation is crucial to improve pre-operative classification of ovarian tumors, which may lead to better patient referral to the appropriate level of care.

STUDY DESIGN

In February 2021, an electronic questionnaire consisting of 37 questions was sent to all 72 hospitals in the Netherlands. One pre-selected gynaecologist per hospital was asked to respond on behalf of the department.

RESULTS

The study had a response rate of 93% (67/72 hospitals). All respondents (100%) were familiar with the IOTA models with 94% using them in practice. The logistic regression 2 (LR2)-model, Simple ultrasound-based rules (SR) and Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa (ADNEX) model were used in respectively 40%, 67% and 73% of these hospitals. Respondents rated the models overall with an 8.2 (SD 1.8), 8.3 (SD 1.6) and 8.9 (SD 1.3) respectively for LR2, SR and ADNEX on a scale from 1 to 10. Moreover, 89% indicated to have confidence in the results of the IOTA models. The most important factors to improve further implementation are more training (43%), research on sensitivity, specificity and cost-effectiveness in the Dutch health care system (27%), easier usability (24%) and more consultation time (19%).

CONCLUSION

The IOTA ultrasound models are adopted in the majority of Dutch hospitals with the ADNEX model being used the most. While Dutch gynecologists have a strong familiarity and confidence in the models, the uptake varies in reality. Areas that warrant improvement in the Dutch context are more uniformity, education and more research. These findings can be helpful for other countries considering adopting the IOTA models.

Fertility sparing treatment for bilateral borderline ovarian tumor: a case report and management strategy explication

A bilateral adnexal mass with suspected carcinosis could be a challenging experience for the gynecologist especially in fertile age and in patients with a desire for pregnancy. A 26-year-old patient who came to the outpatient clinical observation for bilateral, multilocular pelvic masses, with more than 4 papillary structures, color score 2, hypomobile compared to the uterus and rectum, respectively of 65 and 68mm in maximum diameter, free liquid in the abdomen and suspected of ovarian neoplasm. Positive tumor markers and a strong desire of a fertility sparing treatment (FST). A 2-step surgical approach managed to perform a diagnosis of bilateral ovarian borderline tumor with implants and a fertility sparing surgery. Harvesting and cryopreserving oocytes prior to the cytoreductive intervention was successfully performed.

Comparison of the diagnostic efficiency between the O-RADS US risk stratification system and doctors' subjective judgment

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the diagnostic efficiency of Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) and doctors' subjective judgment in diagnosing the malignancy risk of adnexal masses.

METHODS

This was an analysis of 616 adnexal masses between 2017 and 2020. The clinical findings, preoperative ultrasound images, and pathological diagnosis were recorded. Each adnexal mass was evaluated by doctors' subjective judgment and O-RADS by two senior doctors and two junior doctors. A mass with an O-RADS grade of 1 to 3 was a benign tumor, and a mass with an O-RADS grade of 4-5 was a malignant tumor. All outcomes were compared with the pathological diagnosis.

RESULTS

Of the 616 adnexal masses, 469 (76.1%) were benign, and 147 (23.9%) were malignant. There was no difference between the area under the curve of O-RADS and the subjective judgment for junior doctors (0.83 (95% CI: 0.79-0.87) vs. 0.79 (95% CI: 0.76-0.83), p = 0.0888). The areas under the curve of O-RADS and subjective judgment were equal for senior doctors (0.86 (95% CI: 0.83-0.89) vs. 0.86 (95% CI: 0.83-0.90), p = 0.8904). O-RADS had much higher sensitivity than the subjective judgment in detecting malignant tumors for junior doctors (84.4% vs. 70.1%) and senior doctors (91.2% vs. 81.0%). In the subgroup analysis for detecting the main benign lesions of the mature cystic teratoma and ovarian endometriosic cyst, the junior doctors' diagnostic accuracy was obviously worse than the senior doctors' on using O-RADS.

CONCLUSIONS

O-RADS had excellent performance in predicting malignant adnexal masses. It could compensate for the lack of experience of junior doctors to a certain extent. Better performance in discriminating various benign lesions should be expected with some complement.

Ultrasound Features and Clinical Outcome of Patients with Ovarian Masses Diagnosed during Pregnancy: Experience of Single Gynecological Ultrasound Center

(1) Background: The number of adnexal masses detected during pregnancy has increased due to the use of first-trimester screening and increasingly advanced maternal age. Despite their low risk of malignancy, other risks associated with these masses include torsion, rupture and labor obstruction. Correct diagnosis and management are needed to guarantee both maternal and fetal safety. Adnexal masses may be troublesome to classify during pregnancy due to the increased volume of the uterus and pregnancy-related hormonal changes. Management should be based on ultrasound examination to provide the best treatment. The aim of this study was to describe the ultrasound features of ovarian masses detected during pregnancy and to optimize and personalize their management with the expertise of gynecologists, oncologists and sonographers. (2) Methods: Clinical, ultrasound, histological parameters and type of management (surveillance vs. surgery) were retrospectively retrieved. Patient management, perinatal outcomes and follow-up were also evaluated. (3) Results: according to the literature, these masses are most frequently benign, ultrasound follow-up is the best management, and obstetric outcomes are not considerably influenced by the presence of adnexal masses. (4) Conclusions: the management of patients with ovarian masses detected during pregnancy should be based on ultrasound examination, and a centralization in referral centers for ovarian masses should be considered.

Validation of the diagnostic efficacy of O-RADS in adnexal masses

The aim of this study was to validate the performance of the Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data Systems (O-RADS) series models proposed by the American College of Radiology (ACR) in the preoperative diagnosis of adnexal masses (AMs). Two experienced sonologists examined 218 patients with AMs and gave the assessment results after the examination. Pathological findings were used as a reference standard. Of the 218 lesions, 166 were benign and 52 were malignant. Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, we defined a malignant lesion as O-RADS > 3 (i.e., lesions in O-RADS categories 4 and 5 were malignant). The area under the curve (AUC) of O-RADS (v2022) was 0.970 (95% CI 0.938-0.988), which wasn't statistically significantly different from the O-RADS (v1) combined Simple Rules Risk (SRR) assessment model with the largest AUC of 0.976 (95% CI 0.946-0.992) (p = 0.1534), but was significantly higher than the O-RADS (v1) (AUC = 0.959, p = 0.0133) and subjective assessment (AUC = 0.918, p = 0.0255). The O-RADS series models have good diagnostic performance for AMs. Where, O-RADS (v2022) has higher accuracy and specificity than O-RADS (v1). The accuracy and specificity of O-RADS (v1), however, can be further improved when combined with SRR assessment.

Pictorial essay: MRI evaluation of endometriosis-associated neoplasms

Endometriosis is a frequent pathology mostly affecting women of young age. When typical aspects are present, the diagnosis can easily be made at imaging, especially at MRI. Transformation of benign endometriosis to endometriosis-associated neoplasms is rare. The physiopathology is complex and remains controversial. Endometrioid carcinoma and clear cell carcinoma are the main histological subtypes. Our goal was to review the main imaging characteristics that should point to an ovarian or extra-ovarian endometriosis-related tumor, especially at MRI, as it may be relevant prior to surgical management.Key points• Transformation of benign endometriosis to endometriosis-associated neoplasms is rare.• MRI is useful when displaying endometriosis lesions associated to an ovarian tumor.• Subtraction imaging should be used in the evaluation of complex endometriomas.

O-RADS US v2022: An Update from the American College of Radiology's Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System US Committee

First published in 2019, the Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) US provides a standardized lexicon for ovarian and adnexal lesions, enables stratification of these lesions with use of a numeric score based on morphologic features to indicate the risk of malignancy, and offers management guidance. This risk stratification system has subsequently been validated in retrospective studies and has yielded good interreader concordance, even with users of different levels of expertise. As use of the system increased, it was recognized that an update was needed to address certain clinical challenges, clarify recommendations, and incorporate emerging data from validation studies. Additional morphologic features that favor benignity, such as the bilocular feature for cysts without solid components and shadowing for solid lesions with smooth contours, were added to O-RADS US for optimal risk-appropriate scoring. As O-RADS US 4 has been shown to be an appropriate cutoff for malignancy, it is now recommended that lower-risk O-RADS US 3 lesions be followed with US if not excised. For solid lesions and cystic lesions with solid components, further characterization with MRI is now emphasized as a supplemental evaluation method, as MRI may provide higher specificity. This statement summarizes the updates to the governing concepts, lexicon terminology and assessment categories, and management recommendations found in the 2022 version of O-RADS US.

Comparison of Human Epididymis Protein 4, Cancer Antigen 125, and Ultrasound Prediction Model in Differentiating Benign from Malignant Adnexal Masses

Background

This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of carcinogenic antigen (CA) 125, (HE)-4 (Human epididymis protein 4), and ultrasound (International Ovarian Tumor Analysis [IOTA]) Simple Rules individually and to derive a composite score in the differentiating ovarian cancer from benign ovarian mass.

Subjects and Methods

Consecutive patients (n = 100) with pelvic mass admitted during February 2018-August 2019 were included prospectively. Patients with either known case of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) or metastatic EOC were excluded. The primary outcome was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of CA-125, HE-4, and IOTA Simple Rules in predicting benign from malignant mass independently, while secondary outcome was derivation of a new model incorporating these variables using multivariate logistic regression analysis to predict benign from malignant lesions. Receiver operator curve (ROC) was drawn to redefine the best-performing cutoff values and difference between area under the ROC (AUROC) were compared by DeLong's method.

Results

Out of 100 cases of adnexal mass selected, the sensitivity and specificity of CA-125 were 73.8% and 77.6%, HE-4 were 90.5% and 87.9%, and IOTA Simple Rules were 92.9% and 81.0%. CA-125, HE-4, and IOTA Simple Rules were independently associated with the likelihood of malignancy/borderline (P < 0.001). The area under the curve for the "composite score" (AUC = 0.93) was the highest and was significantly better than that of CA-125 (AUC = 0.786) (P = 0.004 using DeLong's test) and comparable with HE-4 (AUROC = 0.90; P = 0.128 using DeLong's Test).

Conclusion

The sensitivity and specificity of HE-4 and IOTA Simple Rules for predicting malignant ovarian tumor was better than those of CA-125. The diagnostic performance of "composite score" was comparable to those of either HE-4 or IOTA Simple Rules and significantly better than CA-125.

Diagnostic performance of IOTA SR and O-RADS combined with CA125, HE4, and risk of malignancy algorithm to distinguish benign and malignant adnexal masses

PURPOSE

To compare the diagnostic performance of International Ovarian Tumour Analysis Simple Rules (IOTA SR) and Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS), and to analyse whether combining IOTA SR and O-RADS with the biomarkers cancer antigen 125 (CA125), human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), and risk of malignancy algorithm (ROMA) further improves diagnostic performance in women with different menopause status.

METHODS

This study retrospectively included patients with ovarian adnexal masses confirmed by surgical pathology between September 2021 and February 2022. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were calculated to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of IOTA SR, O-RADS, and their combination with CA125, HE4, and ROMA.

RESULTS

This study included 1,179 ovarian adnexal masses. In all women, the AUC of IOTA SR was comparable to O-RADS (0.879 vs. 0.889, P = 0.361), and O-RADS had a significantly higher sensitivity than IOTA SR (95.77 % vs. 87.32 %, P < 0.001). In premenopausal women, O-RADS had a significantly higher AUC than other diagnostic strategies (all P < 0.05), and the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 93.33 %, 84.74 %, and 85.59 %, respectively. In postmenopausal women, IOTA SR + ROMA had a significantly higher AUC than other diagnostic strategies (all P < 0.05), and the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 85.37 %, 93.88 %, and 90.00 %, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study supports the high diagnostic value of IOTA SR or O-RADS alone in all women, and O-RADS was more sensitive than IOTA SR. In premenopausal women, O-RADS had the highest diagnostic value. In postmenopausal women, IOTA SR outperformed O-RADS, and IOTA SR + ROMA had the highest diagnostic value.

Adnexal Lesion Imaging: Past, Present, and Future

Currently, imaging is part of the standard of care for patients with adnexal lesions prior to definitive management. Imaging can identify a physiologic finding or classic benign lesion that can be followed up conservatively. When one of these entities is not present, imaging is used to determine the probability of ovarian cancer prior to surgical consultation. Since the inclusion of imaging in the evaluation of adnexal lesions in the 1970s, the rate of surgery for benign lesions has decreased. More recently, data-driven Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) scoring systems for US and MRI with standardized lexicons have been developed to allow for assignment of a cancer risk score, with the goal of further decreasing unnecessary interventions while expediting the care of patients with ovarian cancer. US is used as the initial modality for the assessment of adnexal lesions, while MRI is used when there is a clinical need for increased specificity and positive predictive value for the diagnosis of cancer. This article will review how the treatment of adnexal lesions has changed due to imaging over the decades; the current data supporting the use of US, CT, and MRI to determine the likelihood of cancer; and future directions of adnexal imaging for the early detection of ovarian cancer.

Ultrasound examination, MRI, or ROMA for discriminating between inconclusive adnexal masses as determined by IOTA Simple Rules: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the best second-step approach for discriminating benign from malignant adnexal masses classified as inconclusive by International Ovarian Tumour Analysis Simple Rules (IOTA-SR).

METHODS

Single-center prospective study comprising a consecutive series of patients diagnosed as having an adnexal mass classified as inconclusive according to IOTA-SR. All women underwent Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) analysis, MRI interpreted by a radiologist, and ultrasound examination by a gynecological sonologist. Cases were clinically managed according to the result of the ultrasound expert examination by either serial follow-up for at least 1 year or surgery. Reference standard was histology (patient was submitted to surgery if any of the tests was suspicious) or follow-up (masses with no signs of malignancy after 12 months were considered benign). Diagnostic performance of all three approaches was calculated and compared. Direct cost analysis of the test used was also performed.

RESULTS

Eighty-two adnexal masses in 80 women (median age 47.6 years, range 16 to 73 years) were included. Seventeen patients (17 masses) were managed expectantly (none had diagnosis of ovarian cancer after at least 12 months of follow-up) and 63 patients (65 masses) underwent surgery and tumor removal (40 benign and 25 malignant tumors). Sensitivity and specificity for ultrasound, MRI, and ROMA were 96% and 93%, 100% and 81%, and 24% and 93%, respectively. The specificity of ultrasound was better than that for MRI (p=0.021), and the sensitivity of ultrasound was better than that for ROMA (p<0.001), sensitivity was better for MRI than for ROMA (p<0.001) and the specificity of ROMA was better than that for MRI (p<0.001). Ultrasound evaluation was the most effective and least costly method as compared with MRI and ROMA.

CONCLUSION

In this study, ultrasound examination was the best second-step approach in inconclusive adnexal masses as determined by IOTA-SR, but the findings require confirmation in multicenter prospective trials.

Ovarian Masses: The Value of Acoustic Shadowing on Ultrasound Examination

Adnexal lesions are a common finding in women and pose a clinical challenge since ovarian cancer is a highly lethal disease. However, most adnexal masses are benign, benefiting from a more conservative approach. In preoperative assessment, transvaginal ultrasound plays a key role in evaluating morphologic features that correlate with the risk of malignancy. The acoustic shadow is the loss of echo behind sound-absorbing components, such as calcifications or fibrous tissues, which are predominantly found in benign lesions. However, recognizing the acoustic shadow is a difficult skill to master, and its usefulness may be underappreciated.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy induces an elevation of tumour apparent diffusion coefficient values in patients with ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVES

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mMRI) is the modality of choice in the imaging of ovarian cancer (OC). We aimed to investigate the feasibility of different types of regions of interest (ROIs) in the measurement of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of diffusion-weighted imaging in OC patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 23 consecutive patients with advanced OC who had undergone NACT and mMRI. Seventeen of them had been imaged before and after NACT. Two observers independently measured the ADC values in both ovaries and in the metastatic mass by drawing on a single slice of (1) freehand large ROIs (L-ROIs) covering the solid parts of the whole tumour and (2) three small round ROIs (S-ROIs). The side of the primary ovarian tumour was defined. We evaluated the interobserver reproducibility and statistical significance of the change in tumoural pre- and post-NACT ADC values. Each patient's disease was defined as platinum-sensitive, semi-sensitive, or resistant. The patients were deemed either responders or non-responders.

RESULTS

The interobserver reproducibility of the L-ROI and S-ROI measurements ranged from good to excellent (ICC range: 0.71-0.99). The mean ADC values were significantly higher after NACT in the primary tumour (L-ROI p  < 0.001, S-ROIs p < 0.01), and the increase after NACT was associated with sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy. The changes in the ADC values of the omental mass were associated with a response to NACT.

CONCLUSION

The mean ADC values of the primary tumour increased significantly after NACT in the OC patients, and the amount of increase in omental mass was associated with the response to platinum-based NACT. Our study indicates that quantitative analysis of ADC values with a single slice and a whole tumour ROI placement is a reproducible method that has a potential role in the evaluation of NACT response in patients with OC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered (institutional permission code: 5302501; date of the permission: 31.7.2020).

A case of cystic lymphangioma arising from the parauterine tissue

A 57-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 3, with no complaints visited our hospital for right-sided adnexal tumor found incidentally in cancer screening. She had no medical history, surgical history, or gynecological disease. Imaging studies showed a 5-cm lobular cystic tumor on the right side of uterus. We suspected right hydrosalpinx and decided to perform diagnostic laparoscopy. During laparoscopy, the right adnexa was found to be atrophic, and the tumor was located in the broad ligament. The tumor was observed to be a multilocular cyst containing yellow fluid that developed from the right parauterine tissue. The tumor was resected from the surrounding tissue. Histological examination revealed that the multilocular cyst contained a vascular component surrounding the lymphatic endothelium and was decided to be a cystic lymphangioma. The patient was followed up and there was no evidence of recurrence at postoperative 7 months. We experienced a very rare case of lymphangioma arising from the parauterine tissue. The laparoscopic approach can assist with both diagnosis and treatment.

Performance of IOTA Simple Rules Risks, ADNEX Model, Subjective Assessment Compared to CA125 and HE4 with ROMA Algorithm in Discriminating between Benign, Borderline and Stage I Malignant Adnexal Lesions

BACKGROUND

Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) and early clinical stage malignant adnexal masses can make sonographic diagnosis challenging, while the clinical utility of tumor markers, e.g., CA125 and HE4, or the ROMA algorithm, remains controversial in such cases.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the IOTA group Simple Rules Risk (SRR), the ADNEX model and the subjective assessment (SA) with serum CA125, HE4 and the ROMA algorithm in the preoperative discrimination between benign tumors, BOTs and stage I malignant ovarian lesions (MOLs).

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective study was conducted with lesions classified prospectively using subjective assessment and tumor markers with the ROMA. The SRR assessment and ADNEX risk estimation were applied retrospectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR-) were calculated for all tests.

RESULTS

In total, 108 patients (the median age: 48 yrs, 44 postmenopausal) with 62 (79.6%) benign masses, 26 (24.1%) BOTs and 20 (18.5%) stage I MOLs were included. When comparing benign masses with combined BOTs and stage I MOLs, SA correctly identified 76% of benign masses, 69% of BOTs and 80% of stage I MOLs. Significant differences were found for the presence and size of the largest solid component (p = 0.0006), the number of papillary projections (p = 0.01), papillation contour (p = 0.008) and IOTA color score (p = 0.0009). The SRR and ADNEX models were characterized by the highest sensitivity (80% and 70%, respectively), whereas the highest specificity was found for SA (94%). The corresponding likelihood ratios were as follows: LR+ = 3.59 and LR- = 0.43 for the ADNEX; LR+ = 6.40 and LR- = 0.63 for SA and LR+ = 1.85 with LR- = 0.35 for the SRR. The sensitivity and specificity of the ROMA test were 50% and 85%, respectively, with LR+ = 3.44 and LR- = 0.58. Of all the tests, the ADNEX model had the highest diagnostic accuracy of 76%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the limited value of diagnostics based on CA125 and HE4 serum tumor markers and the ROMA algorithm as independent modalities for the detection of BOTs and early stage adnexal malignant tumors in women. SA and IOTA methods based on ultrasound examination may present superior value over tumor marker assessment.

Laparoscopic surgery of large adnexal masses (>12 cm): Single port or conventional?

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to compare single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) and conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery (CMLS) for large adnexal mass (AM).

METHODS

Patients undergoing laparoscopy (LS) due to huge AMs (≥12 cm) between 2016 and 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. The SPLS procedure was applied in 25 cases, and CMLS was performed in 32 cases. The premier result was the grade of the postoperative improvement according to the Quality of Recovery (QoR)-40 questionnaire score (24 h after the surgical procedure; postoperative day 1). Observer Scar Assessment Scale (OSAS) and Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 57 cases undergoing SPLS (n = 25) or CMLS (n = 32) due to a large AM (≥12 cm) were analyzed. No meaningful distinctions in age, menopausal status, body mass index, or mass size were observed between the two cohorts. The operation time was shorter in the SPLS than CPLS cohort (42.2 ± 3.3 vs. 47.6 ± 6.2; p < 0.001). Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed in 84.0% of cases in the SPLS cohort and 90.6% of patients in the CMLS cohort (p = 0.360). The QoR-40 points were significantly higher in the SPLS than the CMLS group (154.9 ± 12.0 vs. 146.2 ± 17.1; p = 0.035). The OSAS and PSAS scores were lower in the SPLS than the CMLS group.

CONCLUSION

LS can be used for large cysts that are not considered to be at risk of malignancy. The postoperative recovery time was shorter in patients undergoing SPLS compared to CMLS.

O-RADS Classification for Ultrasound Assessment of Adnexal Masses: Agreement between IOTA Lexicon and ADNEX Model for Assigning Risk Group

BACKGROUND

The O-RADS system is a new proposal for establishing the risk of malignancy of adnexal masses using ultrasound. The objective of this study is to assess the agreement and diagnostic performance of O-RADS when using the IOTA lexicon or ADNEX model for assigning the O-RADS risk group.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. All women diagnosed as having an adnexal mass underwent transvaginal/transabdominal ultrasound. Adnexal masses were classified according to the O-RADS classification, using the criterion of the IOTA lexicon and according to the risk of malignancy determined by the ADNEX model. The agreement between both methods for assigning the O-RADS group was estimated using weighted Kappa and the percentage of agreement. The sensitivity and specificity of both approaches were calculated.

RESULTS

454 adnexal masses in 412 women were evaluated during the study period. There were 64 malignant masses. The agreement between the two approaches was moderate (Kappa: 0.47), and the percentage of agreement was 46%. Most disagreements occurred for the groups O-RADS 2 and 3 and for groups O-RADS 3 and 4. The sensitivity and specificity for O-RADS using the IOTA lexicon and O-RADS using the ADNEX model were 92.2% and 86.1%, and 85.9% and 87.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The diagnostic performance of O-RADS classification using the IOTA lexicon as opposed to the IOTA ADNEX model is similar. However, O-RADS group assignment varies significantly, depending on the use of the IOTA lexicon or the risk estimation using the ADNEX model. This fact might be clinically relevant and deserves further research.

The Ovarian/Adnexal Reporting and Data System for Ultrasound: From Standardized Terminology to Optimal Risk Assessment and Management

The American College of Radiology (ACR) Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) lexicon and risk assessment tool for ultrasound (US) provides a framework for characterization of ovarian and adnexal pathology with the ultimate goal of harmonizing reporting and patient management strategies. Since the first O-RADS US publication in 2018, multiple validation studies have shown O-RADS US to have excellent diagnostic accuracy, with the majority of these studies using O-RADS 4 as the optimal cut-off for detecting ovarian cancer. Most of the existing validation studies include a dedicated training phase and confirm that ORADS US categories and lexicon descriptors are associated with high level inter-read agreement, regardless of radiologist training level or practice experience. O-RADS US has a similar inter-reader agreement when compared to Gynecologic Imaging Reporting and Data System (GIRADS), Assessment of Different Neoplasias in the adnexa (ADNEX), and International Tumor Analysis Group (IOTA) simple rules. System descriptors have been shown to correlate with expected malignancy rates and the O-RADS US risk stratification system has been shown to perform in the expected range of malignancy risk per category. Further directions will focus on clarifying governing concepts and lexicon terminology as well as further refining risk stratification categories based on data from published validation studies.

Validation of a deep neural network-based algorithm supporting clinical management of adnexal mass

Background

Conservative management of adnexal mass is warranted when there is imaging-based and clinical evidence of benign characteristics. Malignancy risk is, however, a concern due to the mortality rate of ovarian cancer. Malignancy occurs in 10-15% of adnexal masses that go to surgery, whereas the rate of malignancy is much lower in masses clinically characterized as benign or indeterminate. Additional diagnostic tests could assist conservative management of these patients. Here we report the clinical validation of OvaWatch, a multivariate index assay, with real-world evidence of performance that supports conservative management of adnexal masses.

Methods

OvaWatch utilizes a previously characterized neural network-based algorithm combining serum biomarkers and clinical covariates and was used to examine malignancy risk in prospective and retrospective samples of patients with an adnexal mass. Retrospective data sets were assembled from previous studies using patients who had adnexal mass and were scheduled for surgery. The prospective study was a multi-center trial of women with adnexal mass as identified on clinical examination and indeterminate or asymptomatic by imaging. The performance to detect ovarian malignancy was evaluated at a previously validated score threshold.

Results

In retrospective, low prevalence (N = 1,453, 1.5% malignancy rate) data from patients that received an independent physician assessment of benign, OvaWatch has a sensitivity of 81.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 65.1-92.7] for identifying a histologically confirmed malignancy, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.7%. OvaWatch identified 18/22 malignancies missed by physician assessment. A prospective data set had 501 patients where 106 patients with adnexal mass went for surgery. The prevalence was 2% (10 malignancies). The sensitivity of OvaWatch for malignancy was 40% (95% CI: 16.8-68.7%), and the specificity was 87% (95% CI: 83.7-89.7) when patients were included in the analysis who did not go to surgery and were evaluated as benign. The NPV remained 98.6% (95% CI: 97.0-99.4%). An independent analysis set with a high prevalence (45.8%) the NPV value was 87.8% (95% CI: 95% CI: 75.8-94.3%).

Conclusion

OvaWatch demonstrated high NPV across diverse data sets and promises utility as an effective diagnostic test supporting management of suspected benign or indeterminate mass to safely decrease or delay unnecessary surgeries.

Copenhagen index (CPH-I) is more favorable than CA125, HE4, and risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA): Nomogram prediction models with clinical-ultrasonographic feature for diagnosing ovarian neoplasms

Background

We aimed to analyze the benign and malignant identification efficiency of CA125, HE4, risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA), Copenhagen Index (CPH-I) in ovarian neoplasms and establish a nomogram to improve the preoperative evaluation value of ovarian neoplasms.

Methods

A total of 3,042 patients with ovarian neoplasms were retrospectively classified according to postoperative pathological diagnosis [benign, n = 2389; epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), n = 653]. The patients were randomly divided into training and test cohorts at a ratio of 7:3. Using CA125, HE4, ROMA, and CPH-I, Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves corresponding to different truncation values were calculated and compared, and optimal truncation values were selected. Clinical and imaging risk factors were calculated using univariate regression, and significant variables were selected for multivariate regression analysis combined with ROMA and CPH-I. Nomograms were constructed to predict the occurrence of EOC, and the accuracy was assessed by external validation.

Results

When the cutoff value of CA125, HE4, ROMA, and CPH-I was 100 U/ml, 70 pmol/L, 12.5/14.4% (premenopausal/postmenopausal) and 5%, respectively, the AUC was 0.674, 0.721, 0.750 and 0.769, respectively. From univariate regression, the clinical risk factors were older age, menopausal status, higher birth rate, hypertension, and diabetes; imaging risk factors were multilocular tumors, solid nodules, bilateral tumors, larger tumor diameter, and ascites. The AUC of the nomogram containing ROMA and CPH-I was 0.8914 and 0.9114, respectively, which was better than the prediction accuracies of CA125, HE4, ROMA, and CPH-I alone. The nomogram with CPH-I was significantly better than that with ROMA (P < 0.001), and a nomogram decision curve analysis (DCA) containing CPH-I seemed to have better clinical benefits than ROMA. For external validation of this nomogram containing ROMA and CPH-I, the C-indices were 0.889 and 0.900, and the calibration curves were close to 45°, showing good agreement with the predicted values.

Conclusion

We conclude that CPH-I and ROMA have higher diagnostic values in the preoperative diagnosis of EOC than other single tumor markers like CA125 or HE4. A nomogram based on CPH-I and ROMA with clinical and ultrasonic indicators had a better diagnostic value, and the CPH-I nomogram had the highest diagnostic efficacy.

O-RADS MRI After Initial Ultrasound for Adnexal Lesions: AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review

The Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) ultrasound (US) and MRI risk stratification systems were developed by an international group of experts in adnexal imaging to aid radiologists in assessing adnexal lesions. The goal of imaging is to appropriately triage patients with adnexal lesions. US is the first-line imaging modality for assessment, whereas MRI can be used as a problem-solving tool. Both US and MRI can accurately characterize benign lesions such as simple cysts, endometriomas, hemorrhagic cysts, and dermoid cysts, avoiding unnecessary or inappropriate surgery. In patients with a lesion that does not meet criteria for one of these benign diagnoses, MRI can further characterize the lesion with an improved specificity for cancer and the ability to provide a probable histologic subtype in the presence of certain MRI features. This allows personalized treatment, including avoiding overly extensive surgery or allowing fertility-sparing procedures for suspected benign, borderline, or low-grade tumors. When MRI findings indicate a risk of an invasive cancer, patients can be expeditiously referred to a gynecologic oncologic surgeon. This narrative review provides expert opinion on the utility of multiparametric MRI when using the O-RADS US and MRI management systems.

American college of radiology ovarian-adnexal reporting and data system ultrasound (O-RADS): Diagnostic performance and inter-reviewer agreement for ovarian masses in children

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic performance and inter-observer agreement of the American College of Radiology Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System Ultrasound (O-RADS) in the diagnosis of ovarian masses in children.

Methods

From June 2012 to December 2021, 163 ovarian masses in 159 patients with pathologic results were retrospectively analyzed. Each mass was classified into an O-RADS category according to the criteria. The diagnostic performance of O-RADS for detecting malignant ovarian masses was assessed using histopathology as the reference standard. Kappa (k) statistic was used to assess inter-observer agreement between a less-experienced and a well-experienced radiologist.

Results

Out of 163 ovarian masses, 18 (11.0%) were malignant and 145 (89.0%) were benign. The malignancy rates of O-RADS 5, O-RADS 4, and O-RADS 3 masses were 72.7%, 34.6%, and 4.8%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.944 (95% CI, 0.908-0.981). The optimal cutoff value for predicting malignant ovarian masses was  > O-RADS 3 with a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 94.4%, 86.2% and 86.2% respectively. The inter-observer agreement of the O-RADS category was good (k = 0.777).

Conclusions

O-RADS has a high diagnostic performance for children with ovarian masses. It provides an effective malignant risk classification for ovarian masses in children, which shows high consistency between radiologists with different levels of experience.

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.

Evaluation of IOTA-ADNEX Model and Simple Rules for Identifying Adnexal Masses by Operators with Varying Levels of Expertise: A Single-Center Diagnostic Accuracy Study

Objectives The discrimination of ovarian lesions presents a significant problem in everyday clinical practice with ultrasonography appearing to be the most effective diagnostic technique. The aim of our study was to externally evaluate the performance of different diagnostic models when applied by examiners with various levels of experience. Methods This was a diagnostic accuracy study including women who were admitted for adnexal masses, between July 2018 and April 2021, to a Greek tertiary oncology center. Preoperatively sonographic data were evaluated by an expert gynecologist, a 6 th and a 1 st year gynecology resident, who applied the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) Simple Rules (SR) and Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa (ADNEX) model to discriminate between benign and malignant ovarian tumors. The explant pathology report was used as the reference diagnosis. Kappa statistics were used for the investigation of the level of agreement between the examined systems and the raters. Results We included 66 women, 39 with benign and 27 with malignant ovarian tumors. ADNEX (with and without "CA-125") had high sensitivity (96-100%) when applied by all raters but a rather low specificity (36%) when applied by the 1st year resident. SR could not be applied in 6% to 17% of the cases. It had slightly lower sensitivity, higher specificity, and higher overall accuracy, especially when applied by the 1st year resident (61% vs. 92%), compared to ADNEX. Conclusion Both ADNEX and SR can be utilized for screening in non-oncology centers since they offer high sensitivity even when used by less experienced examiners. In the hands of inexperienced examiners, SR appears to be the best model for assessing ovarian lesions.

Effects of Dienogest Therapy on Endometriosis-Related Dysmenorrhea, Dyspareunia, and Endometrioma Size

INTRODUCTION

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory disease that is defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterus. The most common localization is the ovaries, and endometriosis in this location is then called an endometrioma. According to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) (2022) guidelines, the most commonly prescribed treatments for endometriosis include drugs that alter the hormonal milieu. Dienogest is a new generation of progestin used in the treatment of endometriosis. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Dienogest treatment on endometrioma size and endometriosis-related pain symptoms over a six-month follow-up period.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary clinic in Turkey between March 2020 and March 2021. Here, 64 patients aged 17-49 years with unilateral or bilateral endometriomas without any hormone-dependent cancers and any medical conditions contraindicating the onset of hormonal treatment, such as active venous thromboembolism, previous or current cardiovascular disease, diabetes with cardiovascular complications, current severe liver disease, and not being pregnant, were included. Endometrioma sizes were determined by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS). Dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia symptoms were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients received Dienogest 2 mg/day continuously for six months. At the three- and six-month follow-ups, the patients were re-evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean endometrioma size decreased significantly from an initial measurement of 44.0 ± 13 mm to 39.5 ± 15 mm at three months and to 34.4 ± 18 mm at the six-month follow-up. The mean dysmenorrhea VAS scores before treatment, at the three-month follow-up, and at the six-month follow-up were 6.9 ± 2.6, 4.3 ± 2.8, and 3.8 ± 2.7, respectively. Dysmenorrhea VAS scores decreased significantly over the first three months (p<0.01). Similarly, the mean VAS score for dyspareunia decreased at three and six months compared with the pretreatment value (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that dienogest treatment reduced the symptoms of dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia and the size of endometriomas. However, the main significant decrease in dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia symptoms was noted in the first three months, making it a good treatment option, especially in young patients with a fertility wish.

Surgical outcomes of adnexal masses classified by IOTA ultrasound simple rules

IOTA (International Ovarian Tumor Analysis) Simple Rules classifies adnexal masses as benign, malignant, or indeterminate based on sonographic features. We seek to determine if IOTA inappropriately directed women to surgery, or more aggressive surgery, than their final diagnosis warranted. This is a retrospective study of sonographically detected adnexal masses with known clinical outcomes from two institutions (n = 528). Surgically managed patients (n = 172) were categorized based on pathology and compared using Chi-square and t-test for categorical and continuous variables respectively. A logistic regression was used to predict characteristics that predicted surgery or imaging follow up of indeterminate masses. Of the 528 masses imaged, 29% (n = 155) underwent surgery for benign pathology. Only 1.9% (n = 10) underwent surgery after classification as malignant by IOTA for what was ultimately a benign mass. Surgical complications occurred in 10 cases (5.8%), all benign. Fifteen (3.2%) patients went into surgically induced menopause for benign masses, one of which was inaccurately classified by IOTA as malignant. Of the 41 IOTA indeterminate masses, the presence of soft tissue nodules on ultrasound was the only statistically significant predictor of the patient being triaged directly to surgery (OR 1.79, p = 0.04). Our findings support that the IOTA ultrasound classification system can provide clinical guidance without incurring unnecessary surgeries or surgical complications.

Evaluation of Adnexal Masses: The IOTA Concept

Ovarian lesions have a wide range of sonomorphological features with numerous different underlying benign and malignant histologies. Based on the studies conducted by the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) group, ovarian masses can currently be reliably characterized by ultrasound. In the following article, we explain how to use the IOTA terms and definitions and we provide insight into how to safely triage patients with an ovarian mass.

Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancer: What Are the Implications for Women with Intact Endometrioma Planning for a Future Pregnancy? A Reproductive Clinical Outlook

Endometriosis is a chronic, universal, and prevalent disease estimated to affect up to 1:10 women of reproductive age. Endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) developing at reproductive age is challenging and of concern for women and practitioners alike. This outlook review focuses on the occurrence of EAOC, especially in infertile women or those planning for a future pregnancy, from the perspective of a reproductive endocrinologist, based on recent evidence. Contemporary pathogenesis, genetic profiles, evidence of causality, clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and up-to-date management are discussed. EAOC seems to be merely associated with endometrioma and includes clear-cell and endometrioid ovarian carcinoma. Although endometrioma is frequently found in women of reproductive age (up to 1:18 of women), EAOC appears to be a rare occurrence. These women are of more advanced reproductive age, nulliparous, and hyperestrogenic, with a large-sized unilateral endometrioma (>9 cm) containing solid components and papillary projections. Each case suspected to have EAOC has specific characteristics, and a multidisciplinary discussion and appropriate patient counseling should be conducted to reach an optimal therapeutic plan. Since most of these cases are diagnosed at an early stage with a favorable prognosis, fertility-sparing surgery may be feasible. The pros and cons of fertility preservation techniques should be discussed.

Comparison of the O-RADS and ADNEX models regarding malignancy rate and validity in evaluating adnexal lesions

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the ability of the O-RADS and ADNEX models to classify benign or malignant adnexal lesions.

METHODS

This retrospective single-center study included women who underwent surgery for adnexal lesions. Two gynecologists independently categorized the adnexal lesions according to the O-RADS and ADNEX models. Four additional readers were included to validate the new quick-access O-RADS flowchart.

RESULTS

Among the 322 patients included in this study, 264 (82.0%) had a benign diagnosis, and 58 (18.0%) had a malignant diagnosis. The malignant rates of O-RADS 2, O-RADS 3, O-RADS 4, and O-RADS 5 were 0%, 3.0%, 37.7%, and 78.9%, respectively. The AUC of the O-RADS in the 322 patients was 0.93. On comparing the O-RADS and ADNEX models in the remaining 281 patients, the AUCs of the O-RADS, ADNEX model with CA125, and ADNEX model without CA125 were 0.92, 0.95, and 0.94, respectively. When setting a uniform cutoff of ≥ 10% (≥ O-RADS 4) to predict malignancy, the O-RADS had higher sensitivity than the ADNEX model (96.6% vs. 91.4%), and relatively similar specificity. In addition, the readers with the quick-access flowchart spent less time categorizing O-RADS than the readers with only the original O-RADS table (mean analysis time: 99 min 15 s vs. 111 min 55 s).

CONCLUSIONS

The O-RADS classification of the adnexal lesions as benign or malignant was comparable to that of the ADNEX model and had higher sensitivity at the 10% cutoff value. A quick-access O-RADS flowchart was helpful in O-RADS categorization and might shorten the analysis time.

KEY POINTS

• Both O-RADS and ADNEX models had good diagnostic performance in distinguishing adnexal malignancy, and O-RADS had higher sensitivity than ADNEX model in uniform 10% cutoff to predict malignancy. • Quick-access O-RADS flowchart was developed to help review O-RADS classification and might help reduce the analysis time.

The International Ovarian Tumor Analysis-Assessment of Different Neoplasias in the Adnexa (IOTA-ADNEX) Model Assessment for Risk of Ovarian Malignancy in Adnexal Masses

Ovarian cancers are one of the major leading causes of death across the world. In addition to many challenges to diagnose the disease, it is also hard to predict the type of cancer with effective tools and technology. Many attempts have been made to diagnose ovarian malignancies using ultrasonography, MRI, and CT scans, but seldom will they give the clinician a clear understanding of cancer's type and stage. It is of utmost importance to understand the mass peri-operatively, which will help the clinicians to decide on the course of management mortality. With technological advancements, many predictive models have come into the picture. Many of those were dependent on the Serum CA-125 markers. With ultrasonography machine usage, the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) group has developed a Simple Rules model, Logistic Regression (LR) models, and, most recently, the IOTA-assessment of different neoplasias in the adnexa (IOTA-ADNEX) model. It has been found to be effective and reliable among all the tools developed in the past. The ADNEX predicts the type of cancer (benign or malignant) and stages of cancer (borderline, Stage I, Stages II-IV, and secondary metastatic). These models can be used for people who are coming with persistent adnexal masses in the ovarian region, para ovarian region, or in the tubes and are recommended for the surgeries. The model is developed by a team of clinicians and statisticians, based on ultrasound and clinical data. This article reviews the IOTA-ADNEX model as a tool for predicting ovarian malignancies in people coming with adnexal masses, especially in comparison with other methods and models. It also tests its effectiveness in the hands of experienced technicians and non-expert technicians.

Diagnostics of Ovarian Tumors in Postmenopausal Patients

Early diagnosis of ovarian cancer remains an urgent issue owing to the continuing trend towards increasing incidence along with only marginal improvements in mortality and 5-year survival rates. Furthermore, there is a lack of a clear formulation of the concept of pathogenesis. The diagnostic values of tumor markers, their potential advantages and disadvantages, and their combination with radiation imaging methods and transvaginal sonography are discussed. More advanced imaging techniques, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have proven too expensive for widespread use. According to the World Health Organization, more than half of the world’s population does not have access to diagnostic imaging. Consequently, there is high demand for a low-cost, reliable, and safe imaging system for detecting and monitoring cancer. Currently, there is no clear algorithm available for examining and accurately diagnosing patients with postmenopausal ovarian tumors; moreover, reliable criteria allowing dynamic observation and for determining surgical access and optimal surgical intervention measures in postmenopausal patients are lacking. Medical microwave radiometry shows promising results yielding an accuracy of 90%.

How to improve O-RADS MRI score for rating adnexal masses with cystic component?

OBJECTIVES

To test the performance of the Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting Data System (O-RADS) MRI in characterizing adnexal masses with cystic components and to test new specific MRI features related to cystic components to improve the ability of the O-RADS MRI score to stratify lesions according to their risk of malignancy.

METHODS

The EURopean ADnexal study (EURAD) database was retrospectively queried to identify adnexal masses with a cystic component. One junior and 13 radiologists independently reviewed cases blinded to the pathological diagnosis. For each lesion, the size of the whole lesion, morphological appearance, number of loculi, presence of a thickened wall, thickened septae, signal intensity of the cystic components on T1-weighted/T2-weighted/diffusion weighted, mean value of the apparent diffusion coefficient, and O-RADS MRI score were reported. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine significant features to predict malignancy.

RESULTS

The final cohort consisted of 585 patients with 779 pelvic masses who underwent pelvic MRI to characterize an adnexal mass(es). Histology served as the standard of reference. The diagnostic performance of the O-RADS MRI score was 0.944, 95%CI [0.922-0.961]. Significant criteria associated with malignancy included an O-RADS MRI score ≥ 4, ADCmean of cystic component > 1.69, number of loculi > 3, lesion size > 75 mm, the presence of a thick wall, and a low T1-weighted, a high T2-weighted, and a low diffusion-weighted signal intensity of the cystic component. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that an O-RADS MRI score ≥ combined with an ADC mean of the cystic component > 1.69, size > 75 mm, and low diffusion-weighted signal of the cystic component significantly improved the diagnostic performance up to 0.958, 95%CI [0.938-0.973].

CONCLUSION

Cystic component analysis may improve the diagnosis performance of the O-RADS MRI score in adnexal cystic masses.

KEY POINTS

• O-RADS MRI score combined with specific cystic features (area under the receiving operating curve, AUROC = 0.958) improves the diagnostic performance of the O-RADS MRI score (AUROC = 0.944) for predicting malignancy in this cohort. • Cystic features that improve the prediction of malignancy are ADC mean > 1.69 (OR = 7); number of loculi ≥ 3 (OR = 5.16); lesion size > 75 mm (OR = 4.40); the presence of a thick wall (OR = 3.59); a high T2-weighted signal intensity score 4 or 5 (OR = 3.30); a low T1-weighted signal intensity score 1, 2, or 3 (OR = 3.45); and a low diffusion-weighted signal intensity (OR = 2.12). • An adnexal lesion with a cystic component rated O-RADS MRI score 4 and an ADC value of the cystic component < 1.69 associated with a low diffusion-weighted signal, has virtually a 0% risk of malignancy.

Menopausal status, ultrasound and biomarker tests in combination for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer in symptomatic women

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer (OC) has the highest case fatality rate of all gynaecological cancers. Diagnostic delays are caused by non-specific symptoms. Existing systematic reviews have not comprehensively covered tests in current practice, not estimated accuracy separately in pre- and postmenopausal women, or used inappropriate meta-analytic methods.

OBJECTIVES

To establish the accuracy of combinations of menopausal status, ultrasound scan (USS) and biomarkers for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer in pre- and postmenopausal women and compare the accuracy of different test combinations.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), five other databases and three trial registries from 1991 to 2015 and MEDLINE (Ovid) and Embase (Ovid) form June 2015 to June 2019. We also searched conference proceedings from the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology, International Gynecologic Cancer Society, American Society of Clinical Oncology and Society of Gynecologic Oncology, ZETOC and Conference Proceedings Citation Index (Web of Knowledge). We searched reference lists of included studies and published systematic reviews.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included cross-sectional diagnostic test accuracy studies evaluating single tests or comparing two or more tests, randomised trials comparing two or more tests, and studies validating multivariable models for the diagnosis of OC investigating test combinations, compared with a reference standard of histological confirmation or clinical follow-up in women with a pelvic mass (detected clinically or through USS) suspicious for OC.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed quality using QUADAS-2. We used the bivariate hierarchical model to indirectly compare tests at commonly reported thresholds in pre- and postmenopausal women separately. We indirectly compared tests across all thresholds and estimated sensitivity at fixed specificities of 80% and 90% by fitting hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) models in pre- and postmenopausal women separately.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 59 studies (32,059 women, 9545 cases of OC). Two tests evaluated the accuracy of a combination of menopausal status and USS findings (IOTA Logistic Regression Model 2 (LR2) and the Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa model (ADNEX)); one test evaluated the accuracy of a combination of menopausal status, USS findings and serum biomarker CA125 (Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI)); and one test evaluated the accuracy of a combination of menopausal status and two serum biomarkers (CA125 and HE4) (Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA)). Most studies were at high or unclear risk of bias in participant, reference standard, and flow and timing domains. All studies were in hospital settings. Prevalence was 16% (RMI, ROMA), 22% (LR2) and 27% (ADNEX) in premenopausal women and 38% (RMI), 45% (ROMA), 52% (LR2) and 55% (ADNEX) in postmenopausal women. The prevalence of OC in the studies was considerably higher than would be expected in symptomatic women presenting in community-based settings, or in women referred from the community to hospital with a suspicion of OC. Studies were at high or unclear applicability because presenting features were not reported, or USS was performed by experienced ultrasonographers for RMI, LR2 and ADNEX. The higher sensitivity and lower specificity observed in postmenopausal compared to premenopausal women across all index tests and at all thresholds may reflect highly selected patient cohorts in the included studies. In premenopausal women, ROMA at a threshold of 13.1 (± 2), LR2 at a threshold to achieve a post-test probability of OC of 10% and ADNEX (post-test probability 10%) demonstrated a higher sensitivity (ROMA: 77.4%, 95% CI 72.7% to 81.5%; LR2: 83.3%, 95% CI 74.7% to 89.5%; ADNEX: 95.5%, 95% CI 91.0% to 97.8%) compared to RMI (57.2%, 95% CI 50.3% to 63.8%). The specificity of ROMA and ADNEX were lower in premenopausal women (ROMA: 84.3%, 95% CI 81.2% to 87.0%; ADNEX: 77.8%, 95% CI 67.4% to 85.5%) compared to RMI 92.5% (95% CI 90.3% to 94.2%). The specificity of LR2 was comparable to RMI (90.4%, 95% CI 84.6% to 94.1%). In postmenopausal women, ROMA at a threshold of 27.7 (± 2), LR2 (post-test probability 10%) and ADNEX (post-test probability 10%) demonstrated a higher sensitivity (ROMA: 90.3%, 95% CI 87.5% to 92.6%; LR2: 94.8%, 95% CI 92.3% to 96.6%; ADNEX: 97.6%, 95% CI 95.6% to 98.7%) compared to RMI (78.4%, 95% CI 74.6% to 81.7%). Specificity of ROMA at a threshold of 27.7 (± 2) (81.5, 95% CI 76.5% to 85.5%) was comparable to RMI (85.4%, 95% CI 82.0% to 88.2%), whereas for LR2 (post-test probability 10%) and ADNEX (post-test probability 10%) specificity was lower (LR2: 60.6%, 95% CI 50.5% to 69.9%; ADNEX: 55.0%, 95% CI 42.8% to 66.6%).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In specialist healthcare settings in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women, RMI has poor sensitivity. In premenopausal women, ROMA, LR2 and ADNEX offer better sensitivity (fewer missed cancers), but for ROMA and ADNEX this is off-set by a decrease in specificity and increase in false positives. In postmenopausal women, ROMA demonstrates a higher sensitivity and comparable specificity to RMI. ADNEX has the highest sensitivity in postmenopausal women, but reduced specificity. The prevalence of OC in included studies is representative of a highly selected referred population, rather than a population in whom referral is being considered. The comparative accuracy of tests observed here may not be transferable to non-specialist settings. Ultimately health systems need to balance accuracy and resource implications to identify the most suitable test.

Sonographic features differentiating early-stage ovarian clear cell carcinoma from endometrioma with atypical features

BACKGROUND

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is the most common endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer. Ovarian endometriosis may present with atypical or malignant sonographic features and interfere with clinical judgment about whether definitive surgical intervention is required.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the characteristics of endometrioma with atypical features and OCCC.

METHODS

This study enrolled patients with pathologic diagnoses of either endometrioma or OCCC. For patients with endometrioma, only those with atypical features, defined as the presence of at least one of the following sonographic characteristics: cyst diameter of 10 ± 1 cm, multi-cystic lesions, any solid component or papillary structure, and blood flow of any degree, were included.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients had endometriomas with atypical features, while 57 patients had OCCC. Patients with endometriomas were younger (39.33 ± 7.04 years vs. 53.11 ± 9.28 years, P < 0.01), had smaller cysts (7.81 ± 2.81 cm vs. 12.68 ± 4.60 cm, P < 0.01), and had smaller solid components (0.93 ± 1.74 cm vs. 4.82 ± 3.53 cm, P < 0.01). In contrast, OCCCs were associated with loss of ground-glass echogenicity (6.3% vs 68.4%, P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, advanced age (> 47.5 years), large cysts (> 11.55 cm), large solid components (size > 1.37 cm), and loss of ground-glass echogenicity were independent factors suggestive of malignancy.

CONCLUSION

Advanced age, larger cyst sizes, larger solid component sizes, and loss of ground-glass echogenicity are major factors differentiating endometriomas from malignancies. For women in menopausal transition who have finished childbearing who present with endometrioma with atypical features, removal of the adnexa intact could be considered.

Management of the Adnexal Mass: Considerations for the Family Medicine Physician

Ovarian cancer is the most deadly gynecological cancer, so proper assessment of a pelvic mass is necessary in order to determine which are at high risk for malignancy and should be referred to a gynecologic oncologist. However, in a family medicine setting, evaluation and treatment of these masses can be challenging due to a lack of resources. A number of risk assessment tools are available to family medicine physicians, including imaging techniques, imaging systems, and blood-based biomarker assays each with their respective pros and cons, and varying ability to detect malignancy in pelvic masses. Effective utilization of these assessment tools can inform the care pathway for patients which present with an adnexal mass, such as expectant management for those with a low risk of malignancy, or referral to a gynecologic oncologist for surgery and staging, for those at high risk of malignancy. Triaging patients to the appropriate care pathway improves patient outcomes and satisfaction, and family medicine physicians can play a key role in this decision-making process.

Identification of human ovarian cancer relying on collagen fiber coverage features by quantitative second harmonic generation imaging

Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate among all gynecological cancers, containing complicated heterogeneous histotypes, each with different treatment plans and prognoses. The lack of screening test makes new perspectives for the biomarker of ovarian cancer of great significance. As the main component of extracellular matrix, collagen fibers undergo dynamic remodeling caused by neoplastic activity. Second harmonic generation (SHG) enables label-free, non-destructive imaging of collagen fibers with submicron resolution and deep sectioning. In this study, we developed a new metric named local coverage to quantify morphologically localized distribution of collagen fibers and combined it with overall density to characterize 3D SHG images of collagen fibers from normal, benign and malignant human ovarian biopsies. An overall diagnosis accuracy of 96.3% in distinguishing these tissue types made local and overall density signatures a sensitive biomarker of tumor progression. Quantitative, multi-parametric SHG imaging might serve as a potential screening test tool for ovarian cancer.