Objective: To investigate whether there is any correlation between minimum resistance index (RImin) and microvessel density (MVD) in ovarian tumors.
Methods: The intratumor artery RImin of 61 patients with ovarian tumor was measured by color doppler ultra-sound (CDU) preoperatively. MVD identified by von Willebrand factor was evaluated postoperatively. The relationship between RImin and MVD was analyzed.
Results: Compared with the RImin of benign ovarian tumors, the RImin in ovarian cancers was significantly lower (P < 0.001). MVD of ovarian cancer was significantly higher than that of benign tumor both at a 100 magnification (P < 0.01) and a 400 magnification (P < 0.03). There was a significant negative correlation between RImin and MVD at a 100 magnification in benign group (r = -0.67, P < 0.01), in malignant group (r = -0.91, P < 0.01), and in both of groups (r = -0.84, P < 0.01).
Conclusion: Low RImin reflects high MVD in ovarian tumor.