Magnetic resonance imaging of pure ovarian dysgerminoma: a series of eight cases

Laura Maria Cacioppa,Rita Golfieri,Matteo Renzulli,Michele Duranti,Federico Crusco,Francesco Marchetti

doi:10.1186/s40644-021-00427-1

Laura Maria Cacioppa, Rita Golfieri + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40644-021-00427-1

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Abstract

BackgroundImaging findings have a prominent role in early and correct identification of ovarian dysgerminoma, the most common ovarian malignant germ cell tumor (OMGCT). Despite Computed Tomography (CT) is widely used, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has proved to be superior in adnexal masses characterization. Limited data and small series are available concerning MRI aspects of dysgerminoma.Case presentationFrom January 2012 to December 2018, a database of solid ovarian masses was retrospectively reviewed. Eight patients with histologically proven pure ovarian dysgerminoma and complete imaging available were identified and analyzed. Imaging findings were evaluated separately by two radiologists expert in female genito-urinary MRI.ConclusionsMRI findings of a lobulated, purely solid, encapsulated mass with hyper-intensity of lobules and hypo-intensity of septa on T2w images contribute to differentiate dysgerminomas from other ovarian neoplasms.

Highlights

Imaging findings have a prominent role in early and correct identification of ovarian dysgerminoma, the most common ovarian malignant germ cell tumor (OMGCT)
The onset symptoms include acute or chronic pain, abdominal distension, menstrual irregularities and infertility. This tumor is commonly associated with elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and occasionally with elevated beta human chorionic gonadotrophin
The aim of the present study is to describe Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) characteristics of dysgerminoma in a consecutive series of patients, with proven histological diagnosis of this rare tumor

Summary

Introduction

Imaging findings have a prominent role in early and correct identification of ovarian dysgerminoma, the most common ovarian malignant germ cell tumor (OMGCT). Eight patients with histologically proven pure ovarian dysgerminoma and complete imaging available were identified and analyzed. Dysgerminoma, the ovarian counterpart of testicular seminoma, is the most common OMGCT, accounting for 1-2% of primary ovarian neoplasms and 32.8-37.5% of all OMGCTs [1]. OMGCTs are less invasive and have a favorable prognosis following surgery, even in the most advanced cases [1,2,3]. The onset symptoms include acute or chronic pain, abdominal distension, menstrual irregularities and infertility. This tumor is commonly associated with elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and occasionally with elevated beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta-HCG). In vast majority of cases, dysgerminomas are incidentally diagnosed in asymptomatic womens [1,2,3]

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