Adnexal Masses: Characterization and Imaging Strategies

Female Reproductive System

“…Ovarian endometriosis is defi ned as the presence of endometrial tissue not in the uterus but in ovaries with resultant formation of ovarian endometriomas [ 5 ]. Hemorrhage is a common fi nding in an ovarian endometrioma, and rupture is occasionally seen [ 5 ].…”

“…Hemorrhage is a common fi nding in an ovarian endometrioma, and rupture is occasionally seen [ 5 ]. The presence of hemorrhage in an ovarian endometrioma is responsible for the variable appearances of ovarian endometriomas on ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.…”

“…On ultrasound, ovarian endometriomas usually appear as unilocular or multilocular cystic masses with low echogenicity. Ovarian endometriomas may appear as anechoic cyst or even solid mass on ultrasound [ 5 ]. On computed tomography (CT), ovarian endometriomas may appear as unilocular or multilocular cystic masses of water density.…”

“…On magnetic resonance imaging, the signal intensities of cystic lesions of ovarian endometriomas vary according to the stage of hemorrhage. Of early subacute hemorrhage (intracellular methemoglobin stage) in an ovarian endometrioma, it appears as high signal intensity on T1-weighted image and low signal intensity on T2-weighted image [ 5 ]. Of chronic hematoma (hemosiderin stage) in an ovarian endometrioma, it appears as low signal intensities on both T1-and T2-weighted images [ 5 ].…”

“…Of early subacute hemorrhage (intracellular methemoglobin stage) in an ovarian endometrioma, it appears as high signal intensity on T1-weighted image and low signal intensity on T2-weighted image [ 5 ]. Of chronic hematoma (hemosiderin stage) in an ovarian endometrioma, it appears as low signal intensities on both T1-and T2-weighted images [ 5 ]. Ovarian endometriosis may cause fi brotic adhesion of the adjacent structures and result in hydrosalpinx [ 5 ].…”