Differentiation between pelvic abscesses and pelvic tumors with diffusion-weighted MR imaging: a preliminary study

Clin Imaging. 2012 Sep-Oct;36(5):532-8. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2011.11.018. Epub 2012 Jun 8.

Abstract

Purpose: Use diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in differentiating pelvic abscess from pelvic cystic tumor.

Materials and methods: Patients with pelvic abscess (n=23) or pelvic cystic tumor (n=15) who underwent diffusion-weighted MRI were reviewed.

Results: Pelvic abscesses showed hyperintensity on diffusion-weighted MRI and hypointensity on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map. The mean ADC values of fluid in pelvic abscess and pelvic tumors were 0.73 ± 0.15 × 10(-3) and 2.27 ± 0.45 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s, respectively. Pelvic abscesses had significantly lower ADC values than pelvic cystic tumors (P<.001).

Conclusion: Diffusion-weighted MRI provides a noncontrast method for interpreting pelvic cystic lesions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / diagnosis*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cysts / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pelvic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • ROC Curve
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Statistics, Nonparametric