Proton MR Spectroscopy of Ovarian Tumors at 3T: Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Solid Components of Ovarian Tumors

Mayumi Takeuchi¹, Kenji Matsuzaki¹, Masafumi Harada¹

We evaluated ovarian solid, or complex solid and cystic masses by MRS at 3T. The choline concentration in 21 malignant tumors with predominantly solid nature (9.47 +/- 4.66 mM) was significantly higher than that in 11 benign lesions (5.48+/-4.77 mM) (p<0.05). Using a cut off value of 6 mM for malignant lesions had a sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 73%, PPV of 85%, and NPV of 67%. MRS can provide helpful information in distinguishing benign and malignant ovarian tumors, however, malignant tumors showing solid and cystic nature or containing necrotic areas tended to show lower choline concentration.