Three-dimensional ultrasonographic and power Doppler characterization of ovarian lesions.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US) and 3D power Doppler can improve the ability to differentiate benign from malignant ovarian lesions.


METHODS
Transvaginal ultrasound, transvaginal color Doppler, 3D US and 3D power Doppler were performed on 90 patients with ovarian lesions during the week prior to surgery. Four independent sonographers were blinded to the results of other ultrasound studies.


RESULTS
Color Doppler studies added to transvaginal gray-scale characterization of ovarian lesions resulted in sensitivity of 88.89% and specificity of 97.53% in diagnosing ovarian malignancy. Qualitative analysis of tumor vascularity by 3D power Doppler added to morphological features obtained by 3D US is clinical pertinent and reached sensitivity and specificity of 100 and 98.76%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Three-dimensional ultrasound and power Doppler can enhance and facilitate the morphologic and functional evaluation of both benign and malignant ovarian lesions. Introduction of the 3D quantitative technique for measurements of blood flow and vascularization may increase clinical relevance of these studies.
Kurjak
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School University of Zagreb, Sveti Duh Hospital, Sveti Duh 64, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
Kupesic
S
S
Sparac
V
V
Kosuta
D
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010049:Ovarian Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / Q000379:methods*; D014621:Vagina