Usefulness of T2*-weighted MRI in the detection of adnexal torsion

Background: The usefulness of T2*-weighted (T2*W) imaging for the detection of adnexal torsion has yet to be determined.

Purpose: To assess the usefulness of T2*W imaging for detecting and differentiating adnexal torsion.

Material and methods: Eight patients with eight ovaries with torsion and 44 patients with 72 ovaries without torsion were included in this study. All patients underwent 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including T2*W images. The frequency and distribution of hypointensity on T2*W images were compared between ovaries with torsion and ovaries without torsion.

Results: Hypointensity on T2*W images was significantly more frequent in ovaries with torsion than in ovaries without torsion (75% vs. 36%; P < 0.05). Among patients with hypointensity on T2*W images, the frequency of diffuse hypointensity was significantly higher in ovaries with torsion than in ovaries without torsion (83% vs. 0%; P < 0.01); whereas the frequency of focal hypointensity was significantly lower in ovaries with torsion than in ovaries without torsion (17% vs. 100%; P < 0.01).

Conclusion: The presence and distribution of hypointensity on T2*W images may play a supplementary role in the detection of adnexal torsion.