Utility of diffusion-weighted and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing and differentiating between high- and low-grade uterine endometrial stromal sarcoma

Abstract

Background: Endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) is a rare uterine malignancy that features different prognoses for its high- and low-grade subtypes. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in diagnosing and differentiating between high- and low-grade ESS. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the preoperative pelvic MR images of consecutive patients who received histologically confirmed diagnoses of high-grade ESS (n = 11) and low-grade ESS (n = 9) and T2-hyperintense leiomyoma (n = 16). Two radiologists independently evaluated imaging features in T1-, T2-, and diffusion-weighted and contrast-enhanced MR images. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney tests and Fisher's exact test, with sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of imaging features. Results: High-grade ESS was associated with significantly more extensive necrosis and hemorrhage and distinct feather-like enhancement compared with low-grade ESS (P