Pelvic MRI Research Articles

Updates to Male Infertility: AUA/ASRM Guideline (2024).

In 2023 the American Urological Association (AUA) requested an Update Literature Review (ULR) to incorporate new evidence generated since the 2020 publication of this Guideline. The resulting 2024 Guideline Amendment addresses updated recommendations to provide guidance on the appropriate evaluation and management of the male partner in an infertile couple. In 2023, the Male Infertility Guideline was updated through the AUA amendment process in which newly published literature is reviewed and integrated into previously published guidelines. An updated literature search identified 4093 new abstracts. Following initial abstract screening, 125 eligible study abstracts met inclusion criteria. On data extraction, 22 studies of interest were included in the final evidence base to inform the Guideline amendment. The Panel developed evidence- and consensus-based statements based on an updated review to provide guidance on evaluation and management of male infertility. These updates are detailed herein. This update provides several new insights, including revised thresholds for Y-chromosome microdeletion testing, indications for pelvic MRI imaging in infertile males, and guidance regarding the use of testicular sperm in nonazoospermic males. This Guideline will require further review as the diagnostic and treatment options in this space continue to evolve.

Pelvic exenteration for locally advanced rectal cancer and associated outcomes in England between 1995 and 2016: Analysis of a national database.

The clinical burden of pelvic exenteration (PE) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is nationally under-reported. The widespread use of pelvic MRI since 2005 has increased the accuracy of local staging and awareness of the need for 'beyond TME (total mesorectal excision)' surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the volume of patients undergoing PE within England, which factors affected survival outcomes and whether the use of MRI has influenced these outcomes. The volume of patients undergoing PE and associated survival outcomes across England between 1995 and 2016 was evaluated from Public Health England Hospital Episode Statistics data. A total of 2996 patients were recorded as undergoing PE. The 5-year overall survival rate improved after 2005 compared with prior to 2005 (61.7% vs. 37%, p < 0.001), with no significant difference between cancer registries throughout England. After 2005, the volume of patients undergoing PE and undergoing preoperative MRI increased, as did the number of non-T4 cancers operated on. After 2005, age, preoperative MRI and preoperative radiotherapy were the significant factors influencing 5-year overall survival on multivariate analysis. This review of national data confirms that PE outcomes are under-reported. MRI staging aids with the identification of patients suitable for perioperative treatment, surgery or palliation and facilitates treatment planning. Since 2005, MRI, likely in combination with advances in surgery and perioperative treatment, has improved survival outcomes. It is imperative that detailed information from patients with LARC undergoing PE is captured and reported in order to optimize care and future service provision.

Magnetic resonance imaging and clinical features of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome: A 10-year review from a dedicated specialist centre.

To correlate the clinical history with imaging findings of women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. Retrospective cohort study. A UK IOTA and ESGO-certified tertiary referral centre for disorders of reproductive development. All patients with a diagnosis of MRKH and who had undergone an MRI pelvis between 1 January 2011 and 31 April 2021 were included. MRI images were analysed by specialist gynaecological radiologists. Clinical data was extracted from an electronic patient record system. Statistical analysis was computed in R (version 4.1.2), R base stats package and ggstatsplot (v0.5.0). Clinical history and predefined imaging features. One hundred and thirty-four patients were included. Median age at MRI was 18 years (10-64 years). Half (48.2%) of women presenting had a history of pain, most often abdominal (84.6%) or vaginal (9.2%). Remnants were identified in 91.8% of women (n = 123). 4.5% of women had imaging features of endometriosis (n = 6). Women with a functional remnants were significantly more likely to experience pain (p < 0.001). Pain history was not strongly associated with ectopic ovarian position. Common gynaecological pathology such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts and fibroids were also identified. We identify that majority of women with MRKH will have uterine remnants with a connecting fibrous band, and an ectopic ovarian position 44.0% of cases. Abdominal pain was significantly associated with functional remnants on MRI. Further work is required to identify how other gynaecological pathology impacts women with MRKH.

Analysis of prognostic factors in uterine cervical malignancy treated with concurrent chemoradiation therapy: A retrospective study in two centers in Korea.

125 Background: Cervical cancer is prevalent in most developing countries, and immune checkpoint inhibitors are very expensive to be standard treatment in limited-resource conditions. In these circumstances, concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) remains a preferred treatment. This study aims to evaluate prognosis and identify prognostic markers in cervical cancer patients treated with CCRT in Korea. Methods: This retrospective study utilized data from two centers (KNUH and KNUCH) January 2012 to September 2023. Disease stage was determined based on the FIGO 2018 system, including patients between stages IIB to IIIC-2. PET/CT assessed lymph node status. All patients received CCRT as the first-line treatment with cisplatin (40 to 60 mg/m2) chemotherapy and EBRT with or without ICR, guided by gynecologic radiation oncologist. Pelvic MRI or CT within 5 months after CCRT was used to evaluate radiosensitivity, including the size of the residual primary cervical tumor. The primary endpoint was 5-year disease-free survival (DFS), determined via systemic imaging studies like concurrent chest and abdomen CT or PET/CT. Median DFS was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Prognostic factors were stratified and analyzed using Cox’s proportional hazard ratio regression. Multivariate analysis was conducted using only significant factors identified in the univariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve and Youden’s index were used to determine the cutoff value. Results: Ninety-seven patients were enrolled. The median DFS within 5 years was not reached; mean DFS was 41.5 months (95% CI=36.2–46.8). Multivariate Cox’s proportional hazard regression identified two significant clinical factors for 5-year DFS; residual primary tumor size after CCRT and initial serum CA-125 level (p=0.001, p=0.007, respectively). The cutoff values were 1.85 cm for residual primary tumor size and 24.650 U/mL for CA-125 to predict the 5-year DFS rate (CR or NED vs. PR, SD, PD or recurrence). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for residual tumor size (36.4%, 98.4%, 92.3%, 73.4%, respectively) and CA-125 (67.9%, 60.7%, 46.3%, and 79.1%, respectively). Conclusions: The size of the residual primary tumor or initial serum CA-125 level can be useful in predicting 5-year DFS rate after CCRT. [Table: see text]

Postpartum obstetric complications: a guide for radiologists.

The puerperium refers to the 6-8weeks following delivery, and is a dynamic period in which maternal anatomy and physiology are restored to their prepregnant state. Postpartum complications can be divided into non-obstetric and obstetric. The latter are the topic of this article and can be further classified as infectious, thrombotic, hemorrhagic or cesarean-related. Transvaginal US is often the initial modality in the evaluation of puerperal disorders. CT is probably the most valuable imaging technique when life-threatening conditions are suspected. Pelvic MRI is being increasingly used in cases of inconclusive findings or if further characterization is needed, especially in the setting of postsurgical complications or placental disorders. Diagnostic and interventional radiologists play a pivotal role in the evaluation and management of a variety of puerperal complications. Many of these conditions pose a diagnostic challenge, as imaging findings often overlap with normal postpartum changes, so keeping in mind the patient's clinical information is key.

Restriction Spectrum Imaging and Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging for Assessing Proliferation Status in Rectal Carcinoma

To investigate the application of the three-compartment restriction spectrum imaging (RSI) model, diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in predicting Ki-67 status in rectal carcinoma. A total of 80 rectal carcinoma patients, including 47 high-proliferation (Ki-67> 50%) cases and 33 low-proliferation (Ki-67≤ 50%) cases, underwent pelvic MRI were enrolled. Parameters derived from RSI (f1, f2, and f3), DKI (MD and MK), and DWI (ADC) were calculated and compared between the two groups. Logistic regression (LR) analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors and assess combined diagnosis. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), DeLong analysis, and calibration curve analyses were performed to evaluate diagnostic performance. The patients with high-proliferation rectal carcinoma exhibited significantly higher f1 and MK values and significantly lower ADC, MD, f2, and f3 values than those with low-proliferation rectal carcinoma (P<0.05). LR analysis showed that MD, MK, and f2 were independent predictors for Ki-67 status in rectal carcinoma. Moreover, the combination of these three parameters achieved an optimal diagnostic efficacy (AUC = 0.877, sensitivity = 80.85%, specificity = 84.85%) that was significantly better than that obtained using ADC (AUC = 0.783, Z=2.347, P=0.019), f2 (AUC = 0.732, Z=2.762, P=0.006), and f3 (AUC = 0.700, Z=3.071, P=0.002). The combined diagnosis also showed good performance (AUC = 0.859) in the internal validation analysis based on 1000 bootstrap samples, while the calibration curve demonstrated that the combined diagnosis provided good stability. RSI, DKI, and DWI can effectively differentiate between patients with high- and low-proliferation rectal carcinoma. Furthermore, the MD, MK, and f2 imaging parameters may be a novel and promising combination biomarker for examining Ki-67 status in rectal carcinoma.

A comparative study of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT and pelvic MRI in newly diagnosed prostate cancer

PurposeTo evaluate the difference in the diagnostic efficacy of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT and pelvic MRI in primary prostate cancer, as well as the correlation between the two methods and histopathological parameters and serum PSA levels.MethodsA total of 41 patients with suspected prostate cancer who underwent 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT imaging in our department from 2018 to 2023 were retrospectively collected. All patients underwent 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT and MRI scans. The sensitivity, PPV and diagnostic accuracy of MRI and 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in the diagnosis of prostate cancer were calculated after comparing the results of MRI and 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT with biopsy. The Spearman test was used to calculate the correlation between 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT, MRI parameters, histopathological indicators, and serum PSA levels.ResultsCompared with histopathological results, the sensitivity, PPV and diagnostic accuracy of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in the diagnosis of prostate cancer were 95.1%, 100.0% and 95.1%, respectively. The sensitivity, PPV and diagnostic accuracy of MRI in the diagnosis of prostate cancer were 82.9%, 100.0% and 82.9%, respectively. There was a mild to moderately positive correlation between Gleason (Gs) score, Ki-67 index, serum PSA level and 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT parameters (p < 0.05). There was a moderately negative correlation between the expression of AMACR (P504S) and 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT parameters (p < 0.05). The serum PSA level and the Gs score were moderately positively correlated with the MRI parameters (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between histopathological parameters and MRI parameters (p > 0.05).ConclusionCompared with MRI, 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT has higher sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy in the detection of malignant prostate tumors. In addition, the Ki-67 index and AMACR (P504S) expression were only correlated with 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT parameters. Gs score and serum PSA level were correlated with 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT and MRI parameters. 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT examination can provide certain reference values for the clinical diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of malignant prostate tumors.

A case with an ectopic ejaculatory duct opening into the bladder trigone in Zinner syndrome, congenital unilateral renal agenesis, and an ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst

IntroductionThis report describes a case with an ectopic ejaculatory duct opening into the bladder trigone in Zinner syndrome, congenital unilateral renal agenesis, and an ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst.Case presentationThe patient was identified when no left kidney was detected in the fetal period. Abdominal ultrasonography and pelvic plain MRI at 6 months old revealed a 10‐mm cystic lesion on the dorsal aspect of the bladder. Cysto‐urethroscopy at 1 year old revealed a rather short posterior urethra and right and left inferior crests extending from the posterior urethra beyond the bladder neck. The ejaculatory duct opening was identified on the bladder trigone.ConclusionAnatomical abnormality of the ejaculatory duct may represent a cause of infertility and ejaculatory dysfunction in Zinner syndrome. Endoscopic evaluation should be performed for this rare anomaly, even in children.

FDG-PET/MRI in colorectal cancer care: an updated systematic review.

Since its introduction in 2011, FDG-PET/MRI has been advocated as a useful adjunct in colorectal cancer care. However, gaps and limitations in current research remain. This systematic review aims to review the current literature to quantify the utility of FDG-PET/MRI in colorectal cancer care. An up-to-date review was performed on the available literature between 2000 and 2023 on PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, databases. All studies reporting on the use of FDG-PET/MRI in colorectal cancer care were analyzed. The main outcome measures were accuracy in initial staging, restaging, and detection of metastatic disease in both rectal as well as colon cancers. The secondary outcome was comparing the performance of FDG-PET/MRI versus Standard of Care Imaging (SCI). Finally, the clinical significance of FDG-PET/MRI was measured in the change in management resulting from imaging findings. A total of 22 observational studies were included, accounting for 988 patients. When individually compared to current Standard of Care Imaging (SCI)-MRI pelvis for rectal cancer and thoraco-abdominal contrast CT, PET/MRI proved superior in terms of distant metastatic disease detection. This led to as much as 21.0% change in management. However, the technological limitations of PET/MRI were once again highlighted, suggesting SCI should retain its place as first-line imaging. FDG-PET/MRI appears to be a promising adjunct in staging and restaging of colorectal cancer in carefully selected patients.

Utility of interim apparent diffusion coefficient value in predicting treatment response among patients with locally advanced cervical cancer treated with radiotherapy

BackgroundFor locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC), treatment response to radiotherapy (RT) can vary significantly even among those with the same stage classification of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). This study investigated the value of ADC metric for forecasting end-of-treatment outcomes in LACC patients referred for RT. MethodsEighty patients with pathologically confirmed cervical squamous cell carcinoma with (SCC) were included in the research. Abdominal or pelvic MRI scans were conducted at least three times for all participants: before RT, three weeks after beginning of RT and approximately two months after RT was finalized. Calculated apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the LACC include: pre-ADC, interim-ADC, ΔADC and Δ%ADC. Based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1,subjects were calculated and subsequently categorized into good responders group (complete response) and poor responders group (progressive disease, stable disease or partial response). ResultsCompared to good-responders, subjects of poor-responder group showed significantly lower values of interim-ADC, ΔADC, and Δ%ADC (all P < 0.05). To distinguish between good and poor responders, the optimal cutoff values of interim-ADC, ΔADC, and Δ%ADC were determined to be 1.067 × 10−3 mm2/sec, 0.209 × 10−3 mm2/sec, and 30.74 % using the ROC curve, with corresponding sensitivities of 83.78 %, 86.49 %, 75.68 %, and specificities of 88.37 %, 86.49 %, 75.68 %, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the baseline tumor diameter and interim-ADC were significant prognostic factors for treatment response with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.105 (95 % confidence interval [95 % CI] 0.018–0.616) for baseline tumor diameter and 42.896 (95 % CI 8.205–224.262) for interim-ADC. ConclusionThe interim-ADC value and baseline tumor diameter surfaced as possible indicative factors for predicting the response to RT in patients with LACC.

Time-dependent diffusion MRI-based microstructural mapping for differentiating high-grade serous ovarian cancer from serous borderline ovarian tumor

PurposeTo investigate the value of microstructural characteristics derived from time-dependent diffusion MRI in distinguishing high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) from serous borderline ovarian tumor (SBOT) and the associations of immunohistochemical markers with microstructural features. MethodsTotally 34 HGSOC and 12 SBOT cases who received preoperative pelvic MRI were retrospectively included in this study. Two radiologists delineated the tumors to obtain the regions of interest (ROIs). Time-dependent diffusion MRI signals were fitted by the IMPULSED (imaging microstructural parameters using limited spectrally edited diffusion) model, to extract microstructural parameters, including fraction of the intracellular component (fin), cell diameter (d), cellularity and extracellular diffusivity (Dex). Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were obtained from standard diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The parameters of HGSOCs and SBOTs were compared, and the diagnostic performance was evaluated. The associations of microstructural indexes with immunopathological parameters were assessed, including Ki-67, P53, Pax-8, ER and PR. ResultsIn this study, fin, cellularity, Dex and ADC had good diagnostic performance levels in differentiating HGSOC from SBOT, with AUCs of 0.936, 0.909, 0.902 and 0.914, respectively. There were no significant differences in diagnostic performance among these parameters. Spearman analysis revealed in the HGSOC group, cellularity had a significant positive correlation with P53 expression (P = 0.028, r = 0.389) and Dex had a significant positive correlation with Pax-8 expression (P = 0.018, r = 0.415). ICC showed excellent agreement for all parameters. ConclusionTime-dependent diffusion MRI had value in evaluating the microstructures of HGSOC and SBOT and could discriminate between these tumors.

Uterine tumors resembling ovarian sex cord tumors: A retrospective analysis of 7 cases from a single institution.

To investigate the clinicopathological features, diagnosis, surgical treatment and prognosis of uterine tumors similar to ovarian sex cord tumors (UTROSCT). The clinical data, surgical approach, histopathological, and immunohistochemical features of 7 cases of UTROSCTs were retrospectively reviewed and followed up. All 4 patients were premenopausal women. The most common clinical presentation was menorrhagia (n = 4) followed by postmenopausal lower abdominal mass (n = 2) and postmenopausal bleeding (n = 1). Gynecological ultrasonography suggested uterine fibroids in 4 cases, adenomyosis with uterine fibroids in 2 cases, and an intrauterine mass in 1 case. Pelvic MRI was performed preoperatively in only 2 cases, and both indicated uterine fibroid degeneration, including 1 patient with suspected malignancy. Preoperative serum tumor markers were measured in 6 patients, and only 1 patient had elevated CA125 levels, up to 158 U/mL. Total hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy or salpingectomy was the most common treatment pattern (n = 6). The tumors were located within the myometrium (n = 4), submucosa (n = 1), and isthmus to external cervical os (n = 1), with a range of 2 to 12 (mean = 8) cm. Edema and degeneration were observed in 2 cases, and necrosis in 1 case. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 31 to 82 (mean = 43) months. Unfortunately, 1 patient died at 54 months of follow-up without undergoing hysterectomy. The remaining 6 cases showed no tumor recurrence or metastasis after surgery. Histological examination revealed a tumor composed of epithelioid tumor-like cells arranged in cords, trabeculae, and nests. All 7 tumors showed expression of 2 sex cord differentiation markers. Furthermore, all tumors expressed the smooth muscle marker, while epithelial marker CK (4/7). endometrial stromal marker CD10(0/7). The Ki-67 proliferation index was found to be <5% (5/7). The option of total hysterectomy may be considered for women who do not have any fertility requirements. However, for young women who desire to maintain their reproductive capacity, surgery to preserve the uterus may be an alternative, although it necessitates careful postoperative monitoring. In terms of follow-up monitoring, MRI is more suitable than ultrasound. The diagnosis of UTROSCT heavily relies on histopathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis.

P-379 Fertility outcomes several years after fertility preservation for endometriosis

Abstract Study question To study the fertility outcomes of women who tried to conceive at least 2 years after fertility preservation (FP) for endometriosis. Summary answer To advise patients with endometriosis on the benefit of FP, particulary on the utilization rates of frozen oocytes and the actual chances of pregnancy What is known already Endometriosis is found in 25-40% of infertile patients. Due to the multiple and recurrent nature of lesions and the significant incidence of repeated ovarian surgery, endometriosis increase the risk of damaging the ovarian follicular stockpile. Since the revision of the French bioethics law (2014), women with endometriosis can be offered FP techniques. However, there is currently little data available in this population, limiting the possibility to establish formal recommendations Study design, size, duration A retrospective observational, bicentric cohort study conducted at Antoine Beclère and Jean Verdier University Hospitals.Inclusion criteria were: i) patients with confirmed endometriosis using imaging (pelvic MRI or ultrasound scan); ii) controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for FP between from July 1st 2013, and December 31st, 2019 (n = 200). The endpoint date was February 15, 2023, with data collected retrospectively. Participants/materials, setting, methods Cumulative incidences of pregnancy and live birth were calculated. Time to conception, time to utilization of oocytes, and predictive factors for pregnancy and live birth were assessed using logistic regression Cox models. Main results and the role of chance Among the 184 patients with available data after FP for endometriosis, 76 attempted to conceive (41%). The mean number of oocytes vitrified per patient were 14.7 ± 7.6 [8-20]. Patients attempting conception at least 2 years post-FP were more likely to have a partner at the first consultation (70.7% vs. 25.7%, p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Overall, 48 patients (43%) achieved a pregnancy, predominantly through spontaneous conception (50%), frozen-thawed oocytes (37.5%), or a new IVF attempt using fresh eggs (12.5%). Among those attempting conception, 31 (39%) reported a live birth. Cumulative chances of pregnancy at 4 years post-FP were estimated at 52% CI 95% [41% - 65%]. Utilization rates for frozen oocyteswere 7% CI 95% [4% - 12%] and 18% CI 95% [13% - 26%], respectively, 2 and 5 years post-freezing. Nulliparity was the only factor significantly associated with an increased probability of oocyte utilization (RR = 1.43 [1.0 - 2.06]). Limitations, reasons for caution The result should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size of our study. Data were collected retrospectively and some information, concerning obstetrical and neonatal information where missing. Furthermore, the duration of the follow up time was too short to evaluate long-term fertility. Wider implications of the findings Despite endometriosis affecting fertility, our study revealed that half of pregnancies occurred spontaneously, irrespective of the endometriosis phenotype. These findings provide valuable insights into advising women on the utilization rates of frozen oocytes (7% to 18%) and the relatively high chances of natural conception after FP for endometriosis. Trial registration number NA

MRI Imaging Appearance in Mullerian Duct Anomalies

Abstract Background Müllerian duct anomalies include a complex spectrum of anatomical anomalies that arise from deviations during the normal development of the Müllerian ducts. In paediatrics, such defects cannot present with any clinical symptoms before puberty, yet, they can also have obstructive symptoms or a mass effect due to presence of a non communicating rudimentary horn or transverse vaginal septum. At the beginning of puberty, girls with these anomalies might have primary amenorrhea, pelvic pain or endometriosis. Müllerian duct anomalies have also associated with a variety of other congenital abnormalities. Aim of the Work To review MRI features of Mullerian Duct Anomalies and classify them according to ASRM and ESHRE-ESGE classifications. Patients and Methods The study was a case series study that included 37 patients who underwent pelvic MRI at Radiology Department “Ain Shams University hospitals” in Cairo, Egypt. Results In our study, Hypoplastic, Agenesis and Didelphysis found to have the same ratio of (21.6%), while Bicornuate uterus was (13.5%), septate (8.1%), unicornuate and transverse vaginal septum all were of (5.4%) incidence and the least common was arcuate uterus with (2.7%) incidence. Conclusion MRI is a highly helpful technique for evaluating female genital abnormalities and is able to consistently provide the essential imaging characteristics for the accurate identification of Mullerian malformations. Additionally, incidental pelvic disease and any related renal abnormalities may be thoroughly evaluated by MRI in a single scan, removing the need for additional diagnostic procedures.

Case Report of Lipomyoma

Report: Uterine lipoleiomyoma are rare forms of leiomyomas that are often only described in literature as case reports. Lipoleiomyomas could increase in size despite menopause and most commonly occur in postmenopausal women with an incidence rate of 0.03% to 0.2% Clinical symptoms of lipoleiomyoma are very similar to leiomyoma. Radiologic imaging can aid in the diagnosis of lipoleiomyoma with smooth muscle confined to the tumor periphery. In our case, we describe a 53y/o G0P0 perimenopausal patient who complained of abnormal uterine bleeding with irregular menses, urinary retention and difficulty completely emptying her bladder due to the large mass compressing her bladder. She was diagnosed with a large 8.8 cm hyperechoic lesion with internal vascularity arising from the central uterus/ endometrium. Radiology recommended a pelvic MRI for further differentiation of mass. Office hysteroscopy with endometrial biopsy was performed. Pathology confirmed limited inactive endometrium, benign endometrial surface epithelium. The patient requested a hysterectomy through a minimally invasive gynecologic surgery approach. A pelvic MRI was performed that revealed a large, round, circumscribed mass measuring 7.3 X 7.2 X 7.5 cm favoring to represent an intramural lipoleiomyoma. The patient had a robotic assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy which was uncomplicated. Final histopathologic diagnosis was uterine lipomyoma. As benign masses, management for lipoleiomyoma are guided by symptoms, fertility preservation desires, and whether or not a patient is a candidate for surgical intervention. Given the rarity of these cases, the histogenesis is still relatively unknown although various theories exist such as differentiation of embryonic fat cells, metaplastic changes of existing cells into fat cells, and pluripotent cell migration. Although there was not evidence of malignancy in our case report, certain literature has suggested the presence of coexisting malignancies and in an even rarer occasion the presence of liposarcoma from a lipoleiomyoma. More information is needed on these rare cases in order to further lead management and any recommendations regarding cancer screening on top of age related recommendations already in place.

Optimal debulking surgery in ovarian cancer patients: MRI may predict the necessity of rectosigmoid resection

ObjectivesTo determine whether MRI can predict the necessity of rectosigmoid resection (RR) for optimal debulking surgery (ODS) in ovarian cancer (OC) patients and to compare the predictive accuracy of pre- and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) MRI.MethodsThe MRI of 82 OC were retrospectively analyzed, including six bowel signs (length, transverse axis, thickness, circumference, muscularis involvement, and submucosal edema) and four para-intestinal signs (vaginal, parametrial, ureteral, and sacro-recto-genital septum involvement). The parameters reflecting the degree of muscularis involvement were measured. Patients were divided into non-RR and RR groups based on the operation and postoperative outcomes. The independent predictors of the need for RR were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsImaging for 82 patients was evaluated (67 without and 15 with NACT). Submucosal edema and muscularis involvement (OR 13.33 and 8.40, respectively) were independent predictors of the need for RR, with sensitivities of 83.3% and 94.4% and specificities of 93.9% and 81.6%, respectively. Among the parameters reflecting the degree of muscularis involvement, circumference ≥ 3/12 had the highest prediction accuracy, increasing the specificity from 81.6% for muscularis involvement only to 98.0%, with only a slight decrease in sensitivity (from 94.4% to 88.9%). The predictive sensitivities of pre-NACT and post-NACT MRI were 100.0% and 12.5%, respectively, and the specificities were 85.7% and 100.0%, respectively.ConclusionsMRI analysis of rectosigmoid muscularis involvement and its circumference can help predict the necessity of RR in OC patients, and pre-NACT MRI may be more suitable for evaluation.Critical relevance statementWe analyzed preoperative pelvic MRI in OC patients. Our findings suggest that MRI has predictive potential for identifying patients who require RR to achieve ODS.Key PointsThe need for RR must be determined to optimize treatment for OC patients.Muscularis involvement circumference ≥ 3/12 could help predict RR.Pre-NACT MRI may be superior to post-NACT MRI in predicting RR.Graphical

Understanding Provider Cost of MRI for Appendicitis in Children: A Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing Analysis

ObjectiveTo use time driven activity-based costing to characterize the provider cost of rapid MRI for appendicitis compared to other MRI examinations billed with the same Current Procedural Terminology codes commonly used for MRI appendicitis examinations. MethodsRapid MRI appendicitis examination was compared with MRI pelvis without intravenous contrast, MRI abdomen/pelvis without intravenous contrast, and MRI abdomen/pelvis with intravenous contrast. Process maps for each examination were created through direct shadowing of patient procedures (n = 20) and feedback from relevant health care professionals. Additional data were collected from the electronic medical record for 327 MRI examinations. Practical capacity cost rates were calculated for personnel, equipment, and facilities. The cost of each step was calculated by multiplying the capacity cost rate with the mean duration of each step. Stepwise costs were summed to generate a total cost for each MRI examination. ResultsThe mean duration and costs for MRI examination type were as follows: MRI appendicitis: 11 (range: 6-25) min, $20.03 (7.80-44.24); MRI pelvis without intravenous contrast: 55 (29-205) min, $105.99 (64.18-285.13); MRI abdomen/pelvis without intravenous contrast: 65 (26-173) min, $144.83 (61.16-196.50); MRI abdomen/pelvis with intravenous contrast: 128 (39-303) min, $236.99 (102.62-556.54). ConclusionThe estimated cost of providing a rapid appendicitis MRI examination is significantly less than other MRI examinations billed using Current Procedural Terminology codes typically used for appendicitis MRI. Mechanisms to appropriately bill rapid MRI examinations with limited sequences are needed to improve cost efficiency for the patient and to enable wider use of limited MRI examinations in the pediatric population.

MRI-based radiomic features of the urinary bladder wall identify patients with moderate-to-severe international prostate symptom score

BackgroundThe International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) is a patient-reported measurement to assess the lower urinary tract symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction. Bladder outlet obstruction induces molecular and morphological alterations in the urothelium, suburothelium, detrusor smooth muscle cells, detrusor extracellular matrix, and nerves. We sought to analyze MRI-based radiomics features of the urinary bladder wall and their association with IPSS.MethodIn this retrospective study, 87 patients who had pelvic MRI scans were identified. A biomarker discovery approach based on the optimal biomarker (OBM) method was used to extract features of the bladder wall from MR images, including morphological, intensity-based, and texture-based features, along with clinical variables. Mathematical models were created using subsets of features and evaluated based on their ability to discriminate between low and moderate-to-severe IPSS (less than 8 vs. equal to or greater than 8).ResultsOf the 7,666 features per patient, four highest-ranking optimal features were derived (all texture-based features), which provided a classification accuracy of 0.80 with a sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81, 0.81, and 0.87, respectively.ConclusionA highly independent set of urinary bladder wall features derived from MRI scans were able to discriminate between patients with low vs. moderate-to-severe IPSS with accuracy of 80%. Such differences in MRI-based properties of the bladder wall in patients with varying IPSS’s might reflect differences in underlying molecular and morphological alterations that occur in the setting of chronic bladder outlet obstruction.

Enhancing Preoperative Assessment of Endometrial Cancer: The Role of Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Evaluating Myometrial Invasion.

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological malignancy. Accurate preoperative staging is essential for guiding treatment. The depth of myometrial invasion is a key prognostic factor. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the added benefit of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) compared to T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) for the preoperative assessment of myometrial invasion in EC. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the added benefit of DWI in the preoperative assessment of myometrial invasion in EC, in comparison with T2WI and DCE-MRI. The objectives were to assess the imaging characteristics of endometrial carcinoma on T2WI, DCE, and DW MR, to assess the depth of myometrial invasion and overall stage in EC patients, to compare the diagnostic performance of DCE-MRI with that of DW-MRI combined with T2WI, to describe how MR imaging findings can be combined with tumor histologic features and grading to guide treatment planning, and to evaluate the pitfalls and limitations of DCE and DW MR in the assessment of EC. Thirty-one patients with histologically confirmed EC underwent preoperative pelvic MRI on a 1.5T scanner. T2WI, DWI (b-values 0, 1000 s/mm2), and DCE-MRI were performed. Two radiologists independently assessed myometrial invasion on T2WI, T2WI + DWI, and T2WI + DCE-MRI. Histopathology after hysterectomy was the reference standard. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for each MRI protocol, with separate analyses for superficial (<50%) and deep (≥50%) myometrial invasions. The accuracy for assessing superficial invasion was 61.3% for T2WI, 87.1% for T2WI + DWI, and 87.1% for T2WI + DCE-MRI. For deep invasion, accuracy was 64.5% for T2WI, 90.3% for T2WI + DWI, and 90.3% for T2WI + DCE-MRI. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for T2WI + DWI and T2WI + DCE-MRI were high and comparable (88.9-91.7%) for both superficial and deep invasions. T2WI had markedly lower sensitivity and specificity. The differences between T2WI and the functional MRI protocols were statistically significant (p < 0.01). DWI and DCE-MRI significantly improve the diagnostic performance of MRI for the preoperative assessment of myometrial invasion depth in EC compared to T2WI alone. DWI + T2WI and DCE-MRI + T2WI demonstrate comparable high accuracy. DWI may be preferable since it is faster and avoids contrast administration.

Updated endometrial cancer FIGO staging: the role of MRI in determining newly included histopathological criteria.

Endometrial cancer (EC) is among the prevalent malignancies in gynecology, showing an increasing occurrence and mortality rate. The updated 2023 FIGO staging integrates both histopathological and molecular analyses, which significantly impact the prognosis and treatment approaches. This research aims to examine the effectiveness of MRI in identifying essential histopathological tumor features, including histological subtype, grade, and lymphovascular space invasion. A total of 106 patients diagnosed with EC from February 2018 to December 2023 underwent preoperative pelvic MRI. Surgical procedures followed ESMO guidelines, with histopathological assessments using FIGO 2009 criteria. Two radiologists independently evaluated MRI images, measuring maximum tumor size, minimum tumor ADC value (using a free-hand ROI technique), and ADC tumor/myometrium ratio. MRI findings were compared with histopathological data. Peritoneal implant presence and tumor size exhibited significant differences between endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EAC) and non-endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (NEEC), with p values of < 0.001 and 0.003, respectively. Significant differences in age, tumor size, ADC tumor, and ADC tumor/myometrium between low-grade and high-grade tumors were observed, with p values of < 0.001, 0.004, 0.006, and 0.011, respectively. Increased tumor size, reduced ADC tumor, ADC tumor/myometrium, and pelvic peritoneal implant presence were significantly associated with LVSI, with p values of < 0.001, 0.001, 0.002, and 0.001, respectively. The AUC values for tumor size, ADC tumor, and ADC tumor/myometrium were 0.842, 0.781 and 0.747, respectively, in distinguishing between low and high-grade endometrial tumors. Similarly, obtained AUC values for predicting LVSI were 0.836, 0.719, and 0.696, respectively. Our study emphasizes MRI's role in predicting tumor characteristics such as histological subtype, grade, and LVSI based on updated FIGO criteria. By highlighting the potential of MRI, this research contributes to our comprehension of improving diagnostic and clinical management for EC. Further multicenter studies are warranted to validate these findings and establish MRI's role in EC management.