OC21.02: Selection of women with an ovarian tumor for surgery in specialist centers: a comparison of two triaging protocols

Abstract

Objectives: To study the correlation between characteristics of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and microvessel density (MVD) of ovarian tumors. Methods: Sixty-two patients with benign and malignant ovarian tumors were examined by contrast-enhanced transvaginal ultrasound, when they were diagnosed by a conventional ultrasound scan in which the diagnosis could not be differentiated. Data were analyzed by time-intensity curves (TIC). The MVD in ovarian tumor specimens from either biopsies or surgery was examined by CD34 immunohistochemical staining. The correlation between ultrasound PI and AUC and MVD in two groups was analyzed. Results: Ovarian tumors were diagnosed as malignant in 58% (36/62) patients and benign 42% (26/62) patients by surgery, laparoscopy and ultrasound-guided biopsy. The mean tumor diameter was 1.7–9.3 cm (4.6 ± 1.8) cm. Ultrasound examination showed that: (1) in benign and malignant tumors, PI values were (13.5 ± 8.3) dB and (20.3 ± 5.2) dB, respectively; and AUCs were (8.2 ± 5.9) and (17.5 ± 5.0), respectively. PI and AUC in malignant tumors were significantly higher than those in benign tumors (P < 0.05). (2) MVD of malignant tumors (65.3 ± 22.3) was higher than that benign tumors (43.1 ± 20.4) (P < 0.01). (3) In both groups, PI value and AUC were significantly correlated with MVD (r = 0.595, r = 0.533, P = 0.002). Conclusions: Ultrasound PI value and AUC were significantly correlated with ovarian tumor MVD. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound could be helpful in the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumor malignancy.