OBJECTIVETo evaluate the ability of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in differentiating ovarian tumors from non-ovarian masses.

METHODSForty-two cases with pelvic masses were examined with 16-row MDCT. All source image of each case was put into workstation for multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) and curved planar reconstruction(CPR). Axial image combined with 2D image was used for determining the relationship of the mass to ovarian vascular pedicle and identifying the normal ovary, which was compared with postoperative pathologic result and the finding during operation. All the data was compared using Fisher's exact test.

RESULTSThere were 28 ovarian tumors and 14 non-ovarian tumors in this series. If the ovarian vascular pedicle sign was used for determining whether the tumor was from the ovary or not, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy was 89.3%, 85.7%, 92.6%, 80.0% and 88.1%, respectively, with a significant difference in differentiating the tumor from the ovary or non-ovarian organs (P <0.05). If the identification of full normal ovary was used to determine non-ovarian origin of the tumor, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy was 50.0%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 80.0% and 83.3%, respectively, also with a significant difference in differentiating the tumors from the ovary or non-ovarian organs (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONMDCT can clearly show the relationship of the tumor to the normal ovary and its vascular pedicle, which is very helpful in differentiating the ovarian tumors from a non-ovarian masses.