Ovarian masses present a special diagnostic challenge when imaging findings cannot be categorized into benign or malignant pathology. Ultrasonography (US), Computed Tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are currently used to evaluate ovarian tumors. US is the first-line imaging investigation for suspected adnexal masses. Color Doppler US helps the diagnosis identifying vascularized components within the mass. CT is commonly performed in preoperative evaluation of a suspected ovarian malignancy, but it exposes patients to radiation. When US findings are nondiagnostic or equivocal, MRI can be a valuable problem solving tool, useful to give also surgical planning information. MRI is well known to provide accurate information about hemorrhage, fat, and collagen. It is able to identify different types of tissue contained in pelvic masses, distinguishing benign from malignant ovarian tumors. The knowledge of clinical syndromes and MRI features of these conditions is crucial in establishing an accurate diagnosis and determining appropriate treatment. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate MRI findings in neoplastic and non-neoplastic ovarian masses, which were assessed into three groups: cystic, solid, and solid/cystic lesions. MRI criteria for the correct diagnosis and characteristics for differentiating benign from malignant conditions are shown in this paper.

Deep infiltrating endometriosis is an important gynecologic disease that may develop during the reproductive years and is responsible for severe pelvic pain. Deep pelvic endometriosis can affect the retrocervical region, uterosacral ligament, rectum, rectovaginal septum, vagina, urinary tract, and other extraperitoneal pelvic sites. Surgery remains the best therapeutic treatment for affected patients and an accurate preoperative evaluation of the extension of endometriotic lesions is essential for a successful outcome. However, many atypical locations for deep pelvic endometriosis exist although still lesser known to both gynecologists and radiologists such as endometriosis of the round ligaments of the uterus (RLUs). In this article, we review embryology and anatomy of the RLUs as well clinical characteristics associated with these endometriotic locations. In addition, we describe magnetic resonance (MR) imaging protocol, normal MR imaging appearances of the RLUs and the most common abnormal findings of endometriotic involvement of these ligaments at MR imaging. Radiologists should always keep in mind the RLUs as a possible site of deep pelvic endometriosis localization and should not forget to carefully look for them on MR images.

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The aim of this article is to highlight this rare pathological condition and to help general radiologists in achieving the correct technical approach for the diagnosis. Special attention will be paid in discussing the role of different imaging modalities and their contribution to the diagnosis and clinical management of patients.

Endometriosis is a systemic disease that affects about 10% to 20% of women during their reproductive age, characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity (1). Endometriosis lesions are characterized by intralesional recurrent bleeding during menses, because of the hormonal responsiveness of ectopic endometrial tissue, with resulting fibrosis. Typical symptoms are cyclic or chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and pain during defecation or urinating. Unusual endometriosis localizations may be associated with more specific symptoms depending on the site of the localization. According to Siegelmen et al. (2) there are three forms of pelvic endometriosis: (a) superficial peritoneal lesions; (b) ovarian endometrioma; (c) deep (or solid infiltrating) endometriosis (DIE), which is histologically identified as a lesion that extends more than 5 mm into the subperitoneal space and/or affects the wall of organs in the pelvis and ligaments. In superficial endometriosis, superficial plaques are disseminated across the peritoneum, adnexa and ligaments of the uterus; these noninvasive implants are well recognized at laparoscopy and not often detectable with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Laparoscopy is the standard of reference for the diagnosis of endometriosis but nodules covered by adhesions and subperitoneal disease are difficult to study. Pouch of Douglas, uterosacral ligaments, torus uterinus, and bowel are the most frequent sites of deep pelvic endometriosis localization. Atypical pelvic localizations of endometriosis can occur at level of the cervix, vagina, round ligaments, ureter, and nerves. Rare extrapelvic endometriosis implants can also be localized in the upper abdomen, subphrenic fold, or subcutaneous fat tissue of the abdominal wall. The focus of this review is to describe atypical pelvic and abdominal localizations of endometriosis that should be known by radiologists in order to correctly identify and characterize these lesions on MRI. Moreover, we describe the MRI appearance of the implants at specific sites and review the literature with special attention to imaging reports and description. 272From the Institute of Radiology, Diagnostic Area (B.G.  benedetta.gui@policlinicogemelli.it, A.L.V., V.N., M.M., V.Z., P.P.G., F.C., L.B.) and the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Female Health Area (M.G.), Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Agostino Gemelli Hospital, Rome, Italy; "F. Miulli" Regional General Hospital (M.G.), Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy. ABSTRACTEndometriosis is a disease distinguished by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity with intralesional recurrent bleeding and resulting fibrosis. The most common locations for endometriosis are the ovaries, pelvic peritoneum, uterosacral ligaments, and torus uterinus. Typical symptoms are secondary dysmenorrhea and cyclic or chronic pelvic pain. Unusual sites of endometriosis may be associated with specific symptoms depending on the localization. Atypical pelv...