The Value of MRI Findings Combined With Texture Analysis in the Differential Diagnosis of Primary Ovarian Granulosa Cell Tumors and Ovarian Thecoma–Fibrothecoma

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and texture analysis (TA) in the differential diagnosis of ovarian granulosa cell tumors (OGCTs) and thecoma-fibrothecoma (OTCA–FTCA). METHODS: The preoperative MRI data of 32 patients with OTCA–FTCA and 14 patients with OGCTs, confirmed by pathological examination between June 2013 and August 2020, were retrospectively analyzed. The texture data of three-dimensional MRI scans based on T2-weighted imaging and clinical and conventional MRI features were analyzed and compared between tumor types. The Mann–Whitney U-test, χ (2) test/Fisher exact test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify differences between the OTCA–FTCA and OGCTs groups. A regression model was established by using binary logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was carried out to evaluate diagnostic efficiency. RESULTS: A multivariate analysis of the imaging-based features combined with TA revealed that intratumoral hemorrhage (OR = 0.037), log-sigma-20mm-3D_glszm_SmallAreaEmphasis (OR = 4.40), and log-sigma-2-0mm-3D_glszm_SmallAreaHighGrayLevelEmphasis (OR = 1.034) were independent features for discriminating between OGCTs and OTCA–FTCA (P < 0.05). An imaging-based diagnosis model, TA-based model, and combination model were established. The areas under the curve of the three models in predicting OGCTs and OTCA–FTCA were 0.935, 0.944, and 0.969, respectively; the sensitivities were 93.75, 93.75, and 96.87%, respectively; and the specificities were 85.71, 92.86, and 92.86%, respectively. The DeLong test indicated that the combination model had the highest predictive efficiency (P < 0.05), with no significant difference among the three models in differentiating between OGCTs and OTCA–FTCA (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with OTCA–FTCA, intratumoral hemorrhage may be characteristic MR imaging features with OGCTs. Texture features can reflect the microheterogeneity of OGCTs and OTCA–FTCA. MRI signs and texture features can help differentiate between OGCTs and OTCA–FTCA and provide a more comprehensive and accurate basis for clinical treatment.