Background: To investigate the spectrum of CT and MRI findings of dysgerminoma of the ovary.
Methods: CT and MRI imaging of 12 patients with 13 histologically proven dysgerminomas of the ovary were retrospectively reviewed. Patients, ages ranged from 6 ~ 27 years (mean, 17.2 years). Two observers evaluated the following CT and MRI features of the tumor by consensus: (i) location, shape, and size; (ii) attenuation, T2 signal intensity, and ADC value; (iii) patterns of contrast enhancement; (iv) presence of fibrovascular septa; (v) presence of necrosis, hemorrhage, and calcification; (vi) presence of "ovarian vascular pedicle" sign. We also noted the extent or stage of the tumors.
Results: 75% lesions arised in the right ovary. Bilateral ovaries were involved in one case. Tumors displayed as a purely or predominantly solid mass (mean size, 17.0 ± 7.8 cm). Ten tumors were shaped multilobulated. The mean ADC value of lesions was 0.830 ± 0.154 × 10- 3 mm2/s. Characteristic fibrovascular septa were observed in all lesions. Among them, classic septa were present in 69% lesions. They were thin, hypointense on T2WI with a linear intense enhancement indicating the blood vessels in septa. Due to the stromal edema, fibrovascular septa may become thick even amorphous in shape, hyperintense on T2WI and even low attenuation on CT with a slight enhancement except for a bright blood vessel on the edge. Massive necrosis was observed only in one lesion. Calcification was present in 3 of the 5 tumors on CT. "Ovarian vascular pedicle" sign was present in 12 lesions. Lymphadenopathy, retroperitoneal spread, and distant metastases combined with an implantation in Douglas' cul-de-sac were present in one patient respectively.
Conclusion: On CT and MR images, ovarian dysgerminoma often appears as a large solid mass. The edematous condition of characteristic fibrovascular septa can be well displayed by imaging which then can guide the radiologists to make an accurate diagnosis. Calcifications often occur in the tumor. Nonspecific low ADC value and "ovarian vascular pedicle" sign may narrow the differential diagnosis.
Keywords: ADC value; CT; Dysgermonoma; MRI; Ovarian tumor.