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01-12-2021 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Review

MR Imaging of uterine sarcomas: a comprehensive review with radiologic-pathologic correlation

Authors: Filipa Alves e Sousa, Joana Ferreira, Teresa Margarida Cunha

Published in: Abdominal Radiology | Issue 12/2021

Abstract

The aim of this article is to summarize the MRI features of each sarcoma subtype and to correlate them with its pathological findings. Literature review through PubMed/Medline database to identify relevant articles on uterine sarcomas, with a special emphasis on their MRI findings and pathological features. While several, more generalistic, MRI findings of a uterine tumour should raise suspicion for malignancy (including irregular contour, intra-tumoral necrosis/hemorrhage and low ADC values), some particular features may suggest their specific histological subtype such as the gross lymphovascular invasion associated with endometrial stromal sarcomas, the “bag of worms” appearance of the low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma and the “lattice-like” aspect of adenosarcomas which results from the mixed composition of solid and multiseptated cystic components. Knowledge of the different histological uterine sarcoma subtypes, their specific MRI features and comprehension of their pathological background allows for a more confident diagnosis and may indicate the correct histological subtype.

Graphic abstract

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Title: MR Imaging of uterine sarcomas: a comprehensive review with radiologic-pathologic correlation
Authors: Filipa Alves e Sousa
Joana Ferreira
Teresa Margarida Cunha
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Uterine Sarcoma
Sarcoma
Published in: Abdominal Radiology / Issue 12/2021
Print ISSN: 2366-004X
Electronic ISSN: 2366-0058
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-021-03263-w

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