Correspondence

Bilateral Ovarian Dermoid Cysts

N Engl J Med 2002; 346:139January 10, 2002

Article

To the Editor:

The computed tomographic (CT) image of bilateral dermoid cysts (July 26 issue)1 is indeed elegant and illustrative of the disease process. However, it also illustrates the unnecessary use of an expensive form of technology when a less expensive and just as accurate method (ultrasonography) is readily available. I think most authorities would agree that ultrasonography, not CT, should be the first-line test for pelvic masses and is often the only imaging technique needed. It is unfortunate that the knee-jerk reaction of many physicians, when confronted with a pelvic mass, is to order CT, which is often less helpful than ultrasonography.

Byron G. Darby, M.D.
Renaissance Women's Group, Austin, TX 78727
bdarby@rwgdocs.com

1 References

1. 1

   Boulay RM, Podczaski E. Bilateral ovarian dermoid cysts. N Engl J Med 2001;345:259-259
   Full Text | Web of Science | Medline

Author/Editor Response

The authors reply:

To the Editor: We agree that ultrasonographic imaging is an accurate and cost-effective alternative to CT scanning of the pelvis in women. Specifically, the echotexture within ovarian masses can aid in distinguishing a benign process from a malignant process. However, we believe that the clinical scenario should dictate the necessity of any further imaging. If additional information is needed, one imaging technique may be superior to another in providing that information. When evaluating a pelvic mass, it is truly unfortunate that the knee-jerk reaction may be to order any imaging at all if the results will not be helpful in planning treatment.

Richard M. Boulay, M.D.
Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA 18103

Edward S. Podczaski, M.D.
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033

Citing Articles (2)

Citing Articles

1. 1

   Akiko Taguchi, Andrea Kurz. (2005) Thermal management of the patient: where does the patient lose and/or gain temperature?. Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology 18:6, 632-639
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2. 2

   C Landron, M Paccalin, F Roy-Peaud, P Roblot, B Becq-Giraudon. (2003) Une tumeur embryonnaire pelvienne. La Revue de Médecine Interne 24:4, 266-267
   CrossRef