Pamela Causa Andrieu1, Sungmin Woo1, Tae-Hyung Kim2,3, Elizabeth Kertowidjojo4, Anjelica Hodgson4, Simon Sun5. 1. Department of Radiology. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA. 2. Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. 3. Department of Radiology, Naval Pohang Hospital, Pohang, Korea. 4. Department of Pathology. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. 5. Department of Radiology. Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Uterine sarcomas are rare and are often challenging to differentiate on imaging from benign mimics, such as leiomyoma. As functional MRI techniques have improved and new adjuncts, such as machine learning and texture analysis, are now being investigated, it is helpful to be aware of the current literature on imaging features that may sometimes allow for preoperative distinction. RECENT FINDINGS: MRI, with both conventional and functional imaging, is the modality of choice for evaluating uterine mesenchymal tumors, especially in differentiating uterine leiomyosarcoma from leiomyoma through validated diagnostic algorithms. MRI is sometimes helpful in differentiating high-grade stromal sarcoma from low-grade stromal sarcoma or differentiating endometrial stromal sarcoma from endometrial carcinoma. However, imaging remains nonspecific for evaluating rarer neoplasms, such as uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex cord tumor or perivascular epithelioid cell tumor, primarily because of the small number and power of relevant studies. SUMMARY: Through advances in MRI techniques and novel investigational imaging adjuncts, such as machine learning and texture analysis, imaging differentiation of malignant from benign uterine mesenchymal tumors has improved and could help reduce morbidity relating to misdiagnosis or diagnostic delays.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Uterine sarcomas are rare and are often challenging to differentiate on imaging from benign mimics, such as leiomyoma. As functional MRI techniques have improved and new adjuncts, such as machine learning and texture analysis, are now being investigated, it is helpful to be aware of the current literature on imaging features that may sometimes allow for preoperative distinction. RECENT FINDINGS: MRI, with both conventional and functional imaging, is the modality of choice for evaluating uterine mesenchymal tumors, especially in differentiating uterine leiomyosarcoma from leiomyoma through validated diagnostic algorithms. MRI is sometimes helpful in differentiating high-grade stromal sarcoma from low-grade stromal sarcoma or differentiating endometrial stromal sarcoma from endometrial carcinoma. However, imaging remains nonspecific for evaluating rarer neoplasms, such as uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex cord tumor or perivascular epithelioid cell tumor, primarily because of the small number and power of relevant studies. SUMMARY: Through advances in MRI techniques and novel investigational imaging adjuncts, such as machine learning and texture analysis, imaging differentiation of malignant from benign uterine mesenchymal tumors has improved and could help reduce morbidity relating to misdiagnosis or diagnostic delays.
Authors: Jennifer A Bennett; Ricardo R Lastra; Julieta E Barroeta; Megan Parilla; Filippo Galbo; Pankhuri Wanjari; Robert H Young; Thomas Krausz; Esther Oliva Journal: Am J Surg Pathol Date: 2020-11 Impact factor: 6.394