Mature cystic teratoma with high proportion of solid thyroid tissue: a controversial case with unusual imaging findings

J Radiol Case Rep. 2017 Jul 31;11(7):20-30. doi: 10.3941/jrcr.v11i7.2853. eCollection 2017 Jul.

Abstract

We describe a case of a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary with high proportion of solid thyroid tissue (< 50% of the entire tumor) in a childbearing woman. The patient presented with non-specific abdominal bloating. Pelvic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a complex cystic-solid tumor confined to the left ovary with an anterior fat-containing locus compatible with mature cystic teratoma and a posterior predominantly solid component with low signal intensity on T2-weighted images that was histopatologically diagnosed as benign thyroid tissue. Thyroglobulin levels were in normal range. Although thyroid tissue is present in up to 20% of mature cystic teratomas, with exception of struma ovarii, it is not usually macroscopically nor radiologically identified. The differential diagnosis should include T2-hypointense adnexal lesions associated with mature cystic teratoma, malignant transformation of mature teratoma, and immature teratoma.

Keywords: Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Ovary; Teratoma; Thyroid gland; Urogenital neoplasms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / surgery
  • Ovariectomy
  • Salpingectomy
  • Struma Ovarii / diagnostic imaging*
  • Struma Ovarii / pathology
  • Struma Ovarii / surgery