Role of diffusion weight MRI in differentiation complex adnexal masses

Abstract

Abstract

BACKGROUND: MRI provides exquisite views of the pelvic anatomy through its high spatial resolution and tissue contrast,and as such plays a key role in the work up of ovarian lesions, identifying features that distinguish benign and malignant lesions. OBJECTIVE. DWI depends on the fact that water molecules can diffuse freely in low cellular environment, while tissue hyper cellularity causes its restriction. As a result, malignant ovarian tumors due to its hypercellular nature show restriction of diffusion, unlike most benign tumors. This article reviews the role of DWI in differentiation of complex adnexal masses. CONCLUSION. DWI may be implemented in ovarian masses to detect, characterize, and stage tumors as well as potentially to predict the outcome and measure response to treatment.