Carcinosarcoma of the uterus: radiologic-pathologic correlations with magnetic resonance imaging including diffusion-weighted imaging

Magn Reson Imaging. 2008 Dec;26(10):1446-50. doi: 10.1016/j.mri.2008.04.003. Epub 2008 May 22.

Abstract

The authors describe the MRI findings, including diffusion-weighted imaging findings, of histopathologically proven uterine carcinosarcoma in four postmenopausal women. In three of four patients, diffusion-weighted images clearly revealed hypointense areas corresponding to hypocellular regions caused by intratumoral necrosis, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping images indicated that necrotic areas had high ADC values. In the remaining patient, diffusion-weighted and ADC mapping images clearly distinguished components of adenocarcinoma from sarcoma. In all patients, diffusion-weighted and ADC mapping images precisely reflected histopathological findings. Diffusion-weighted images were found to demonstrate complicated tissue components in carcinosarcomas of the uterus, and thus, which may be useful for the diagnosis of this disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinosarcoma / pathology*
  • Contrast Media
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Gadolinium DTPA
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Necrosis
  • Postmenopause
  • Uterine Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium DTPA