Abstract

MRI in ovarian cancer

Author(s): Rosemarie Forstner, Matthias W Meissnitzer1, Alexander Schlattau and John A Spencer

To date MRI has primarily been used as a problem-solving modality for sonographically indeterminate adnexal masses owing to its excellent soft tissue contrast and functional properties. Qualitative diffusion-weighted imaging with visual assessment is helpful in lesion characterization and makes differentiation of solid adnexal masses more accurate. Diffusion-weighted imaging can obviate intravenous MRI contrast media, rendering this technique indispensable in cases of contraindications and in pregnancy. Staging ovarian cancer remains a CT domain. However, novel technical developments are at the brink of changing imaging and management in ovarian cancer in the years to come; MRI may shift from a problem-solving to a central management tool, possibly fulfilling a broad range of tasks from characterization, staging and even early assessment of response to treatment in the case of chemotherapy using quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging.