Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging for the Evaluation of Extra-Ovarian Endometriosis

Mayumi Takeuchi¹, Kenji Matsuzaki¹, Masafumi Harada¹

We evaluated 14 extra-ovarian endometriosis by susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI). In 12 solid tumor-like masses punctate or curved linear signal voids on SWI were observed in all lesions, whereas high intensity hemorrhagic foci on fat-saturated T1WI were observed in 7 of 12 lesions. In 2 cystic lesions curved linear signal voids along the cyst wall on SWI were observed, whereas high intensity hemorrhagic foci were not revealed on fat-saturated T1WI. We conclude that SWI is more sensitive for endometriosis-associated hemorrhagic change than fat-saturated T1WI, and may contribute to the diagnosis of extra-ovarian endometriosis.