The clinical impact of gynecologic MRI.

OBJECTIVE. This study assessed the clinical impact of pelvic MRI performed after the diagnosis of an indeterminate pelvic mass on ultrasound or CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The radiologic records of 567 patients who underwent pelvic MRI at our hospital from 2004 to 2006 were reviewed. Of these patients, 214 patients underwent pelvic MRI for evaluation of a gynecologic mass detected on a preceding ultrasound or CT examination; this group of patients constituted the basis of our study. The imaging and clinical records from the database were used for our analysis. The medical records were reviewed for the impact of the radiologic findings on patient treatment, and the results were tabulated for the findings of the first modality, whether the first modality provided a diagnosis, what management plan would be made according to the first modality, and what management plan would be made as a result of the MRI. The adequacy of the imaging study was assessed on the basis of either obtaining an accurate exact diagnosis or ascertaining at the minimum whether the mass was benign or malignant. Further endpoints included specificity and sensitivity of the individual modalities in the diagnosis of a specific gynecologic mass and whether clinical management was altered. Exact binomial CIs were computed for individual proportions. RESULTS. The clinical management of the patient was altered as a result of MRI in 77% of the cases (CI = 0.70-0.82). Surgery was avoided in 36% (CI = 0.29-0.43), and surgery was changed to a more appropriate method (laparoscopy vs laparotomy, involvement or not of a gynecologic oncologist) in an additional 17% (CI = 0.12-0.23). CONCLUSION. Without having undergone MRI, many of the women and girls in this study would have undergone unnecessary surgery; a more costly type of surgery; or long-term follow-up with the associated financial costs, personal and physical costs, and mental costs from the resultant anxiety of an unresolved indeterminate mass.

Comparison of four embolic materials at uterine artery embolization by using postprocedural MR imaging enhancement.

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that not all embolic materials are equivalent by using postprocedural magnetic resonance (MR) imaging enhancement of uterine fibroids in patients treated with uterine artery embolization (UAE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Approval and a waiver of consent from the institutional human investigations committee was received for this study. The study was HIPAA compliant. A total of 84 women who underwent 6-month MR imaging follow-up constituted this retrospective study. Within this group, 25 women were treated with Contour polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles, 23 were treated with Contour SE particles, 19 were treated with Embosphere microspheres, and 17 were treated with Bead Block microspheres. Pre- and postprocedural MR imaging results were analyzed for the total number of fibroids present in the uterus of each patient and for the percentage of individual fibroid enhancement. Enhancement of individual fibroids was measured with quartile intervals. Greater than 25% residual enhancement of a fibroid after embolization was considered an incomplete infarction. The overall percentage change in enhancement was calculated for each patient. Bivariate analysis by using generalized linear modeling and one-way analysis of variance was used to assess differences in infarction with different embolic materials. RESULTS: Among patients treated with Contour and Embosphere, there was a mean reduction in enhancement by 76.60% and 83.07%, respectively, compared with a mean reduction of 52.53% and 49.78% in patients treated with Bead Block and Contour SE, respectively. There was a significant difference in postembolization enhancement between Bead Block and Embosphere, Bead Block and Contour, Contour SE and Embosphere, and Contour SE and Contour. CONCLUSION: Patients treated with Bead Block or Contour SE demonstrated a reduced degree of infarction at follow-up MR imaging compared with patients treated with Contour or Embosphere.

Utility of magnetic resonance imaging in anorectal disease.

Imaging of both benign and malignant anorectal diseases has traditionally posed a challenge to clinicians, and as a result history and physical exam have been relied on heavily. CT scanning and endorectal ultrasound have become popular in assessment of anatomy and staging of tumors, but have limitations. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the capability to fill in the gaps left open by more conventional imaging modalities and continues to be promising as the definitive imaging technique in the pelvis, especially with advancement of emerging technologies in this field. A comprehensive review of this topic has been undertaken. Anorectal disease is divided into three broad categories: cancer, fistula/abscess, and pelvic floor disorders. A review of the literature is performed to evaluate the use of MRI and other imaging modalities in these three areas. Preoperative imaging is useful in the evaluation of all three areas of anorectal disease. MRI is an effective tool in delineating anatomy and, when correlating with the specific clinical scenario, is an effective adjunct in clinical decision-making in order to optimize outcome. MRI continues to be a promising and novel approach to imaging various afflictions of the anorectum and the pelvic floor. Its role is more well-established in some areas than in others, and there are still significant limitations. As technology advances, MRI will shed more light on a complex anatomical area.

Peliosis hepatis: spectrum of imaging findings.

OBJECTIVE: It is important to recognize the imaging characteristics of peliosis hepatis because peliotic lesions may mimic several different types of focal hepatic lesions CONCLUSION: We illustrate the spectrum of imaging findings of peliosis hepatis, including sonography, CT, MR, and angiography.

Pelvic imaging using a T1W fat-suppressed three-dimensional dual echo Dixon technique at 3T.

PURPOSE: To compare two T1-weighted (T1W) fat-suppressed sequences for 3D breath-hold pre- and postcontrast fat-suppressed T1W imaging of the female pelvis at 3T. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pelvic MRI scans of 16 female patients were retrospectively identified who were scanned with two 3D breath-hold sequences: 1) a fast spoiled gradient echo sequence with spectral inversion at lipids (SPECIAL) (called 3D FSPGR), and 2) a dual-echo two-point Dixon (DE Dixon) sequence. Contrast between soft tissue and fat, soft tissue and fluid, and fat and fluid was measured on pre- and postcontrast images. Additionally, two readers subjectively scored the images for degree and homogeneity of fat suppression plus presence and severity of artifacts. RESULTS: Contrast between muscle and myometrium to fat was improved with the Dixon technique (0.61 vs. 0.09 and 0.7 vs. 0.3, respectively, P < 0.001). Both readers agreed that fat suppression was stronger with the Dixon sequence (P < 0.001 and P = 0.06). Artifacts were equivalent (P = 0.53 and 0.65). CONCLUSION: The 3D DE Dixon sequence achieved stronger fat suppression in the female pelvis when compared to a 3D FSPGR sequence with SPECIAL.

Mullerian duct anomalies: imaging and clinical issues.

While estimates of the frequency of müllerian duct anomalies vary widely owing to different patient populations, nonstandardized classification systems, and differences in diagnostic data acquisition, these anomalies are clinically important, particularly in women who present with infertility. An understanding of the differences between these uterovaginal anomalies, as outlined in the most widely accepted classification system-that published by the American Fertility Society (AFS) in 1988-is imperative given the respective clinical manifestations, different treatment regimens, and prognosis for fetal salvage. Although the AFS classification system serves as a framework for description of anomalies, communication among physicians, and comparison of therapeutic modalities, there often is confusion about appropriate reporting of certain anomalies, particularly those with features of more than one class. Many of the anomalies are initially diagnosed at hysterosalpingography and ultrasonography; however, further imaging is often required for definitive diagnosis and elaboration of secondary findings. At this time, magnetic resonance imaging is the study of choice because of its high accuracy and detailed elaboration of uterovaginal anatomy. Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are reserved for women in whom interventional therapy is likely to be undertaken.