Imaging of ovarian lymphoma

Objective: The aim of the study is to describe the radiological spectrum of appearances of ovarian lymphoma (OL). The manuscript describes the radiological aspects of OL to assist the radiologist in achieving correct orientation of the diagnosis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective evaluation of imaging studies of 98 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, with extra-nodal localisation (ovaries) in three cases (1 primary, 2 secondary). A literature review was also performed. Results: Of the three evaluated women, one had a primary ovarian involvement and two had a secondary ovarian involvement. The most common lesion characteristics were a well-defined, solid homogeneous and hypoechoic mass at US. CT depicts OL as a well-defined, non-infiltrating, homogeneous hypodense solid mass, with mild contrast enhancement. On T1-weight MRI, OL appears as a homogeneous mass of low signal intensity, which enhances avidly following intravenous gadolinium. Conclusion: Clinical and serological presentation of OL can be similar to that of primary ovarian cancer. As imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis of OL, the radiologist should be familiar with US, CT and MRI appearances of this condition to correctly orient the diagnosis and so avoid unnecessary adnexectomy.