The value of color Doppler ultrasound in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of ovarian granulosa cell tumor

Objective To discuss the value of color Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of ovarian granulosa cell tumor (OGCT). Methods Fourteen cases were diagnosed as OGCT by pathology postoperatively had been examined by color Doppler ultrasound check-up before the surgery. In image appearance, the tumors were divided into cystic mass, solid mass or mixed cystic-solid mass respectively according to their own pathological features. Additionally, the blood flowing signal of OGCT was labeled from 0 to 3 grade with Adler standard based on the blood flowing imaging observed by color Doppler flow imaging(CDFI). The CDFI results were compared with the pathological diagnosis. Results Ultrasound image appearance of OGCT varied in the 14 cases.Two of them could be characterized as cystic mass, 5 solid mass and 7 mixed cystic-solid mass. The mixed cystic-solid OGCT contained solid mass in multiple cystic degeneration area. There was a significant difference in the diameter among three kinds of OGCT (P=0.0006). The more visible cystic lesion indicated the longer diameter of OGCT. According to the CDFI, 4, 5, 3 and 2 cases were 0, 1, 2, 3 grade respectively in Adler standard. No significant difference was found among the four standards groups (P=0.056). The localization diagnosis accordance rate of the Doppler imaging in OGCT was 71.4% (10/14) and the qualitative diagnosis accordance rate was 35.7% (5/14). Conclusions The color Doppler ultrasonography can be the first-line preoperative imaging investigation in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of OGCT, as well as in the long-term following after surgery. It can provide more details and evidences for the treatment and prognosis assessment of OGCT. Key words: Ultrasonography; Ovarian neoplasms; Granular cell tumor