Luca Leo MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Francesca Favano MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mara Peveroni MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

chiara saviolo MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Roberta Ambrosini MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Alessandro Carriero, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

STIR-EPI DW sequences cancel the signal arising from fat and most tissues with normal isotropic water diffusion. Aim of our study was to assess the added value of this sequences in the detection and classification of uterine neoplasms.

In a period of 12 months 46 consecutive females (age range 41-78 yo; mean age 57 yo) with uterine neoplasms, scheduled for hysteroscopy or surgery, underwent MR scan. All the examinations were carried out using a 1.5T equipment (Intera Achieva, Philips, The Netherlands) with phased array surface coil; conventional and axial DW STIR-EPI sequences, using 6 incremental b values (0,200,400,600,800,1000 sec/mm2) were acquired. Neoplasms were divided in two groups: benign (A=35) and malignant (B=46) and ADC values were measured by manually positioning elliptical ROI on the electronically reconstructed maps. Two radiologists blindly evaluated conventional MR images and conventional+STIR-EPI images in two different reading sessions. Histopathology was considered as standard of reference.

Mean ADC values in group A (0.7 x 10-3 +/- 0,18 x10-3 mm2 /sec) resulted significantly higher than values obtained in group B (0,4x10-3 +/- 0,21 x10-3 mm2/sec) (Student t test: p < 0,05), allowing to better classify benign and malignant lesions. The optimal delineation of pathologic tissue on fat-suppressed STIR-EPI images using b=1000 allowed both radiologist to improve diagnostic confidence in lesion detection.

From our experience STIR-EPI DW technique may be considered as a useful technical approach to the study of pelvic neoplasms, allowing a more accurate detection and classification of uterine neoplasms. The ADC value well correlates to cellular anaplasia and may be used for differential diagnosis of suspected lesions.

DW STIR-EPI sequences in the MR study of uterine neoplasms may be considered as an useful addition to the conventional examination protocol, allowing to better delineate and classify lesions.

Leo, L, Favano, F, Peveroni, M, saviolo, c, Ambrosini, R, Carriero, A, Diffusion-weighted (DW) STIR: EPI MR Sequences for Uterine Neoplasm Imaging.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6017284.html