Diffusivity mapping of the ovaries: Variability of apparent diffusion and kurtosis variables over the menstrual cycle and influence of oral contraceptives.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate whether quantitative diffusivity variables of healthy ovaries vary during the menstrual cycle and to evaluate alterations in women using oral contraceptives (OC).

Methods: This prospective study (S-339/2016) included 30 healthy female volunteers, with (n = 15) and without (n = 15) intake of OC between 07/2017 and 09/2019. Participants underwent 3T diffusion-weighted MRI (b-values 0-2000 s/mm) three times during a menstrual cycle (T1 = day 1-5; T2 = day 7-12; T3 = day 19-24).