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Uterine peristalsis shown on cine MR imaging using ultrafast sequence
Asako Nakai1, Kaori Togashi, Toshihide Yamaoka
1Department of Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|November 25, 2003
Summary
Ultrafast cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) successfully demonstrated uterine peristalsis. The direction and frequency of these waves correlate with menstrual cycle phases, offering new insights into uterine dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Women's Health
- Physiology
Background:
- Uterine peristalsis plays a role in reproductive processes.
- Previous imaging techniques have limitations in visualizing dynamic uterine activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate and evaluate uterine peristalsis using cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with ultrafast imaging.
- To assess the relationship between uterine peristalsis and menstrual cycle phases.
Main Methods:
- Serial MR uterine images (300) were acquired from 15 volunteers over four menstrual phases using the true fast imaging with steady-state precession (true FISP) technique.
- Images were captured over 117 seconds and videotaped for evaluation by three radiologists.
- Uterine peristalsis was defined as wavy movements of the subendometrial myometrium or endometrium.
Main Results:
- Cine MRI visualized uterine peristalsis in 30 out of 59 studies, with consensus identifying direction in 23.
- High interobserver reliability (Kappa coefficient of 0.908) was achieved for recognizing uterine peristalsis.
- Peristaltic wave direction was cervico-fundal during follicular and periovulatory phases, with contraction frequencies of 1.2-2.3 waves per minute.
Conclusions:
- Ultrafast cine MRI is effective in demonstrating uterine peristalsis.
- The observed direction and frequency of peristaltic waves are significantly related to the phases of the menstrual cycle.