Impact of DWI and ADC values in Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) MRI score

PurposeIntroduce DWI and quantitative ADC evaluation in O-RADS MRI system and observe how diagnostic performance changes. Assess its validity and reproducibility between readers with different experience in female pelvic imaging. Finally, evaluate any correlation between ADC value and histotype in malignant lesions.Materials and MethodsIn total, 173 patients with 213 indeterminate adnexal masses (AMs) on ultrasound were subjected to MRI examination, from which 140 patients with 172 AMs were included in the final analysis. Standardised MRI sequences were used, including DWI and DCE sequences. Two readers, blinded to histopathological data, retrospectively classified AMs according to the O-RADS MRI scoring system. A quantitative analysis method was applied by placing a ROI on the ADC maps obtained from single-exponential DWI sequences. AMs considered benign (O-RADS MRI score 2) were excluded from the ADC analysis.ResultsExcellent inter-reader agreement was found in the classification of lesions according to the O-RADS MRI score (K = 0.936; 95% CI). Two ROC curves were created to determine the optimal cut-off value for the ADC variable between O-RADS MRI categories 3-4 and 4-5, respectively, 1.411 x 10(-3) mm(2)/sec and 0.849 x 10(-3) mm(2)/sec. Based on these ADC values, 3/45 and 22/62 AMs were upgraded, respectively, to score 4 and 5, while 4/62 AMs were downgraded to score 3. ADC values correlated significantly with the ovarian carcinoma histotype (p value < 0.001).ConclusionOur study demonstrates the prognostic potential of DWI and ADC values in the O-RADS MRI classification for better radiological standardisation and characterisation of AMs.

Automated summary

This study aims to introduce DWI and quantitative ADC evaluation in the O-RADS MRI system and observe how it impacts diagnostic performance. It also assesses the validity and reproducibility among readers with different experience in female pelvic imaging and evaluates the correlation between ADC value and histotype in malignant lesions. The findings demonstrate the prognostic potential of DWI and ADC values for better radiological standardisation and characterisation of AMs in the O-RADS MRI classification.