MR EVALUATION OF CLINICALLY SUSPECTED ADNEXAL MASSES

Objective: Our goal was to determine the sensitivity, specificity, pre dictive value, and accuracy of pelvic MRI in the prospective evaluatio n of women with a clinically suspected pelvic mass. Materials and Meth ods: One-hundred three patients with clinically suspected pelvic masse s were prospectively evaluated by pelvic MRI. Masses were analyzed for size, location, morphological characteristics, and signal behavior. M asses were classified as benign, malignant, or indeterminate and in ev ery case an attempt was made to generate a specific diagnosis accordin g to previously reported characteristic MR appearances. Surgical follo w-up was obtained within 3 months of MRI examination for all patients, excepting 11 patients with typically appearing leiomyomas. Results: O ne hundred twenty pelvic masses were confirmed. Magnetic resonance was 100% sensitive and 99% specific in prospectively diagnosing dermoids, 96% sensitive and 100% specific in diagnosing subserosal leiomyomas, and 92% sensitive and 91% specific in diagnosing endometriomas. Conclu sion: When physical examination or ultrasound examination is inconclus ive, pelvic MRI can aid in the evaluation of women with a suspected pe lvic mass. By identifying these common benign gynecologic conditions, unnecessary surgery can be avoided.