Learning objectives
The use of Magnetic Resonance (MR)technique in the female pelvis imaging has expanded considerably over the past decade.
We here evaluated the contribution of MR findings to describe the most important anatomical structures involved in cases of pelvis pathology or malignancy.
An in-depth knowledge of the anatomy of the female pelvis is necessary for gynaecologists expecially in the pre-operative planning in order to improve the Patient’s quality of life (1,2).
The purpose is to illustrate the correspondence between MR images and the female pelvic anatomy...
Background
Pelvic floor imaging is particularly important to gynecologists in the pre-surgical planning for a better management of the Patient.
The development of new surgical techniques,
like the nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy,
necessitates the translation of surgical anatomy into anatomic imaging in order to improve Patient’s quality of life after the operation (3,4).
The pelvic floor is a complex structure with passive components like fasciae and ligaments,
and active components like muscles (1).
This multilayer system provides pelvic support,
maintains continence,
and coordinates relaxation during urination and...
Imaging findings OR Procedure details
Between January 2011 and December 2011 we prospectively studied 26 consecutive Patients (mean age 45 years old; range 29;74 years old) referred for MR imaging of the inferior abdomen by gynecologists.
Among these 7/26 presented endometriosis,
12/26 uterus cancer,
4/26 adnexal pathology and 3/26 resulted with no pathology.
MR imaging was performed on a 1.5T scanner (Magnetom Symphony,
Siemens,
Erlangen,
Germany),
using a pelvic phased array coil.
To reduce bowel peristalsis,
the patients were asked to fast 4-6 hours before the examination and 1 mg...
Conclusion
Magnetic Resonance imaging is playing an increasing role in evaluating gynecologic disease because of its excellent soft tissue contrast resolution,
no use of ionizing radiations and ability to direct multiplanar imaging (2).
Recent technical advances including turbo spin-echo imaging,
phased array surface coils and breathold imaging techniques have dramatically improved image quality and shortened examination time,
encouraging the use of the MR for the female pelvic pathology.
Our results suggest that a complete knowledge of the correspondence between MR images and the female pelvic anatomy...
References
1) Stoker J,
Halligan S,
Bartram C.I.
Pelvic floor imaging.
Radiology 2001; 218:621–641.
2) Paramasivam S,
Proietto A,
Puvaneswary M.
Pelvic anatomy and MRI.
Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2006;20(1):3-22.
3) Fujii S,
Takakura K,
Matsumura N,
Higuchi T,
Yura S,
Mandai M,
Baba T,
Yoshioka S.
Anatomic identification and functional outcomes of the nerve sparing Okabayashi radical hysterectomy.
Gynecologic oncology 2007;107:4-13.
4) Niikura H,
Katahira A,
Utsunomiya H,
Takano T,
Ito K,
Nagase S,
Yoshinaga K,
Tokunaga H,
Toyoshima M,
Kinugasa...