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Uterine sarcomas: clinical presentation and MRI features
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Abstract(s)
Uterine sarcomas are a rare heterogeneous group of tumors
of mesenchymal origin, accounting for approximately 8%
of uterine malignancies. They comprise leiomyosarcoma,
endometrial stromal sarcoma, undifferentiated endometrial
sarcoma, and adenosarcoma. Compared with the more common
endometrial carcinomas, uterine sarcomas behave more
aggressively and are associated with a poorer prognosis. Due
to their distinct clinical and biological behavior, the International
Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics introduced a
new staging system for uterine sarcomas in 2009, categorizing
uterine carcinosarcoma as a variant of endometrial carcinoma,
rather than a pure sarcoma. Magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) has a developing role in the assessment of these
malignancies. Features such as tumor localization, irregular
or nodular margins, necrosis, rapid growth, intense contrast
enhancement, and restriction at diffusion-weighted imaging
can suggest the diagnosis and help differentiate from more
common leiomyomas and endometrial carcinoma. MRI is
therefore extremely useful in preoperative detection and
staging and, consequently, in determination of appropriate
management. This pictorial review aims to discuss the clinical
features of uterine sarcomas, as well as their most common
appearances and distinct characteristics in MRI.
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Citation
Pedro Santos; Teresa Margarida Cunha. Uterine Sarcomas: Clinical Presentation and MRI Features, Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, 21, 1, 4-9, 2015.