MRI features of ovarian cystic lesions

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2014 Sep;40(3):503-15. doi: 10.1002/jmri.24579. Epub 2014 Jan 29.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present the clinical and imaging features for the spectrum of ovarian cystic lesions, from benign to malignant and from tumorous to nontumorous. We review the imaging modalities for evaluating ovarian cystic lesions, especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. We present clinical and imaging features that can be used to help with the differential diagnosis of the spectrum of ovarian cystic lesions. We discuss the relevance of imaging features for distinguishing between benign and malignant ovarian cystic lesions. The characteristic clinical and imaging features of ovarian cystic lesions can provide criteria for making a diagnosis or substantially narrowing the differential diagnosis. Therefore, a careful assessment of ovarian cystic lesions is warranted.

Keywords: computed tomography (CT); ovarian cysts; ovarian neoplasms; ovary; ovary, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); ovary, ultrasonography (US).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Contrast Media
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Ovarian Cysts / diagnosis*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Contrast Media