OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to investigate the potential role of MRI in the preoperative characterization of the histologic type of @entity5 and, more specifically, to differentiate seminomatous from nonseminomatous @entity1062 . MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one @entity1 with histologically proven germ cell @entity5 underwent MRI of the scrotum on a 1.5-T unit. T2- and T1-weighted sequences before and after i.v. administration of @entity2287 chelate were performed. MRI studies were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists and findings were correlated with the histopathologic diagnosis. An attempt was made to differentiate seminomatous from nonseminomatous @entity5 on the basis of signal intensity and homogeneity of the lesions, presence of fibrovascular septa, @entity5 encapsulation, and patterns of contrast enhancement. Interobserver agreement was assessed using weighted kappa statistics. RESULTS: MRI findings correctly characterized 19 (91%) of 21 @entity1062 (nine seminomatous and 10 nonseminomatous @entity5 ), with excellent interobserver agreement. The presence of an intratesticular lesion of predominantly low signal intensity on T2-weighted images, with septa enhancing more than @entity5 tissue after contrast material administration, was more suggestive for the diagnosis of a @entity4797 . Tumors that were markedly heterogeneous both on unenhanced and contrast-enhanced images were indicative of a nonseminomatous @entity5 . CONCLUSION: Our study shows that MRI provides a credible preoperative differentiation of seminomatous from nonseminomatous @entity5 , with excellent interobserver agreement.

MRI in the histologic characterization of XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity5 :: ('MESH:D009369', 'Disease') :: ['tumor', 'testicular tumors', 'neoplasm'] @entity1062 :: ('MESH:D013736', 'Disease') :: ['testicular neoplasms'] @entity4797 :: ('MESH:D018239', 'Disease') :: ['seminoma'] @entity2287 :: ('MESH:D005682', 'Chemical') :: ['gadolinium']
@entity1062 :: (MESH:D013736,Disease) :: ['testicular neoplasms']
