In-vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in adnexal lesions.

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore the in-vivo 1H- MR spectral features of adnexal lesions and to characterize the spectral patterns of various pathologic entities.Materials and MethodsThirty-one patients with surgically and histopathologically confirmed adnexal lesions underwent short echo-time STEAM (stimulated echo acquisition method) 1H- MR spectroscopy, and the results obtained were analysed.ResultsThe methylene present in fatty acid chains gave rise to a lipid peak of 1.3 ppm in the 1H- MR spectra of most malignant tumors and benign teratomas. This same peak was not observed, however, in the spectra of benign ovarian epithelial tumors: in a number of these, a peak of 5.2 ppm, due to the presence of the olefine group (-CH=CH-) was noted. The ratios of lipid peak at 1.3 ppm to water peak (lipid/water ratios) varied between disease groups, and in some benign teratomas was characteristically high.ConclusionAn intense lipid peak at 1.3 ppm is observed in malignant ovarian tumors but not in benign epithelial tumors. 1H- MRS may therefore be helpful in the differential diagnosis of adnexal lesions.