MR-IMAGING OF TUBOOVARIAN ABSCESS

Purpose, and Material and Methods: MR findings of 9 surgically proven tube-ovarian abscesses were analyzed in 8 patients. The images were ev aluated for signal intensity characteristics and morphologic appearanc e of the mass, and presence of secondary changes in adjacent pelvic or gans and structures. Results: The signal intensity of the lesions on T 1-weighted images was hypointense to the surrounding muscle and myomet rium in 5 patients, isointense in 3 and hyperintense in 1. On T2-weigh ted images the signal intensity was hyperintense (n=6) or heterogeneou s (n=3). A thin rim (1-3 mm) with hyperintensity on T1-weighted images was noted in the innermost aspect of the masses. Other findings were ill-defined margin, thickened wall, multiple internal septa, shading a nd gas collection. ''Mesh-like'' linear strands were noted in the pelv is in all patients, with involvement of adjacent pelvic organs in 7 an d lymphadenopathy in 3. Conclusions: In this limited number of cases M R imaging showed great potential for demonstrating the extent of the d isease, characterizing the lesions and making a specific diagnosis.