Computed tomography of cystic ovarian teratomas with gravity-dependent layering.

Computed tomography (CT) may serve as a valuable adjunct in cases of ovarian dermoid cysts which present diagnostic difficulties on radiographic and ultrasound examination. The heterogeneous composition of cystic teratomas includes calcifications or an osseous component, a solid component of soft tissue density, a fluid component of water density, and a fourth component with negative attenuation values typical of high-fat content. The CT finding of a gravity-dependent layering within a fatty mass or a fat-fluid level is pathognomonic of dermoid cysts.