The Value of MRI Findings Combined With Texture Analysis in the Differential Diagnosis of Primary Ovarian Granulosa Cell Tumors and Ovarian Thecoma-Fibrothecoma

Objective This study aims to explore the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and texture analysis (TA) in the differential diagnosis of ovarian granulosa cell tumors (OGCTs) and thecoma-fibrothecoma (OTCA-FTCA). Methods The preoperative MRI data of 32 patients with OTCA-FTCA and 14 patients with OGCTs, confirmed by pathological examination between June 2013 and August 2020, were retrospectively analyzed. The texture data of three-dimensional MRI scans based on T2-weighted imaging and clinical and conventional MRI features were analyzed and compared between tumor types. The Mann-Whitney U-test, chi(2) test/Fisher exact test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify differences between the OTCA-FTCA and OGCTs groups. A regression model was established by using binary logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was carried out to evaluate diagnostic efficiency. Results A multivariate analysis of the imaging-based features combined with TA revealed that intratumoral hemorrhage (OR = 0.037), log-sigma-20mm-3D_glszm_SmallAreaEmphasis (OR = 4.40), and log-sigma-2-0mm-3D_glszm_SmallAreaHighGrayLevelEmphasis (OR = 1.034) were independent features for discriminating between OGCTs and OTCA-FTCA (P < 0.05). An imaging-based diagnosis model, TA-based model, and combination model were established. The areas under the curve of the three models in predicting OGCTs and OTCA-FTCA were 0.935, 0.944, and 0.969, respectively; the sensitivities were 93.75, 93.75, and 96.87%, respectively; and the specificities were 85.71, 92.86, and 92.86%, respectively. The DeLong test indicated that the combination model had the highest predictive efficiency (P < 0.05), with no significant difference among the three models in differentiating between OGCTs and OTCA-FTCA (P > 0.05). Conclusions Compared with OTCA-FTCA, intratumoral hemorrhage may be characteristic MR imaging features with OGCTs. Texture features can reflect the microheterogeneity of OGCTs and OTCA-FTCA. MRI signs and texture features can help differentiate between OGCTs and OTCA-FTCA and provide a more comprehensive and accurate basis for clinical treatment.

Automated summary

This study explored the value of MRI and texture analysis in differentiating between ovarian granulosa cell tumors and thecoma-fibrothecoma. Results showed that texture features can reflect the microheterogeneity of the tumors and aid in clinical decision-making. The combination of MRI signs and texture features provide a more comprehensive and accurate basis for treatment differentiation.