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Insights into Imaging
Published in: Insights into Imaging 3/2016

Open Access 01-06-2016 | Pictorial Review

Non-neoplastic diseases of the fallopian tube: MR imaging with emphasis on diffusion-weighted imaging

Authors: Pietro Valerio Foti, Noemi Ognibene, Saveria Spadola, Rosario Caltabiano, Renato Farina, Stefano Palmucci, Pietro Milone, Giovanni Carlo Ettorre

Published in: Insights into Imaging | Issue 3/2016

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Abstract

Objective

We illustrate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of non-neoplastic tubaric conditions.

Background

A variety of pathologic non-neoplastic conditions may affect the fallopian tubes. Knowledge of their imaging appearance is important for correct diagnosis. With recent advances in MRI, along with conventional MR sequences, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequences are available and may improve lesion characterization by discriminating the nature of the content of the dilated tube. Tubal fluid with low signal intensity on T1-weighted images, high signal intensity on T2-weighted images and no restricted diffusion on DWI is indicative of hydrosalpinx. Content with high signal intensity on T1-weighted images and restricted diffusion on DWI is suggestive of hematosalpinx associated with endometriosis or tubal pregnancy. A dilated tube with variable or heterogeneous signal intensity content on conventional MR sequences and restricted diffusion on DWI may suggest a pyosalpinx or tubo-ovarian abscess. We describe morphological characteristics, MR signal intensity features, enhancement behaviour and possible differential diagnosis of each lesion.

Conclusion

MRI is the method of choice to study adnexal pelvic masses. Qualitative and quantitative functional imaging with DWI can be of help in characterization of tubaric diseases, provided that findings are interpreted in conjunction with those obtained with conventional MRI sequences.

Teaching Points

• Nondilated fallopian tubes are not usually seen on MR images.
• MRI is the method of choice to characterize and localize utero-adnexal masses.
• MRI allows characterization of lesions through evaluation of the fluid content’s signal intensity.
• DWI in conjunction with conventional MRI sequences may improve tissue characterization.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease is the most common tubal pathology.
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Metadata
Title
Non-neoplastic diseases of the fallopian tube: MR imaging with emphasis on diffusion-weighted imaging
Authors
Pietro Valerio Foti
Noemi Ognibene
Saveria Spadola
Rosario Caltabiano
Renato Farina
Stefano Palmucci
Pietro Milone
Giovanni Carlo Ettorre
Publication date
01-06-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Insights into Imaging / Issue 3/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1869-4101
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13244-016-0484-7

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