Objective:

To evaluate the MRI manifestations of Krukenberg tumors and to compare them with those of primary ovarian tumors.

Methods:

This study included 24 patients with Krukenberg tumors and 60 patients with various primary ovarian tumors. MRI studies of the tumors were categorized into three subgroups: a predominantly solid mass

a solid mass with intratumoral cysts

and a predominantly cystic mass.

Results:

Among 39 Krukenberg tumors (bilateral in 15 patients)

11 were solid masses with intratumoral cysts

and the solid part and (or) the cyst wall showed strong contrast enhancement on MRI. Twenty Krukenberg tumors were predominantly solid masses

and 8 were predominantly cystic masses. Among 87 primary ovariantumors (bilateral

in 27 patients)

19 were solid masses with intratumoral cysts

16 were predominantly solid masses

and 52 were predominantly cystic masses. Of the 19 primary ovarian tumors with solid mass with intratumoral cysts

4 tumors showed strong contrast enhancement of the cyst wall.

Conclusion:

Krukenberg tumor should be suspected when one sees bilateral solid ovarian tumor containing well-demarcated intratumoral cystic lesions

especially if the cyst walls demonstrate strong contrast enhancement.