Spontaneous T1-Hyperintensity Within an Ovarian Lesion: Spectrum of Diagnoses

Can Assoc Radiol J. 2015 May;66(2):115-20. doi: 10.1016/j.carj.2014.07.006. Epub 2015 Jan 8.

Abstract

Whenever elevated signal intensity is displayed at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within an ovarian lesion on unenhanced T1-weighted sequences, some specific diagnoses should be considered because only 3 main components may be responsible for this T1-hyperintensity at MRI: fat, blood products, and proteinaceous or mucinous material. The associated clinical data and concomitant use of T2-weighted sequences and fat-saturation techniques is mandatory to make this tissue characterization possible. The goal of this pictorial review is to provide a simple radiologic reasoning and the differential diagnoses to consider in the presence of spontaneous elevated signal intensity on T1-weighted sequences within a cystic or solid ovarian tumour.

Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging; Ovaries; T1-hyperintensity; Tumours.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / diagnosis
  • Adipose Tissue
  • Cystadenoma, Mucinous / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Endometriosis / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Hematoma / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Ovarian Cysts / diagnosis
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Struma Ovarii / diagnosis*
  • Teratoma / diagnosis*

Supplementary concepts

  • Teratoma, Ovarian