Cine MR imaging of uterine peristalsis in patients with endometriosis

Endometriosis is one of the most important causes of infertility; however the precise mechanism by which it affects female fertility is unclear. The objective of this study was to study the functional aspects of the uterus by evaluating uterine contractility in patients with endometrial cysts of the ovary. The study population was recruited from two institutes and consisted of 26 women (periovulatory (10), luteal (13), and menstrual phase (3); age range: 19-51 years) with untreated endometriosis; the control group consisted of 12 healthy women (age range: 22-41 years). Cine MR imaging obtained by a 1.5T magnet was visually evaluated at 12x faster than real speed, focusing on the presence of uterine peristalsis, the direction and frequency of peristalsis, and the presence of sustained uterine contractions. Uterine peristalsis was identifiable in 3/10, 3/13, and 3/3 of the endometriosis patients in each menstrual cycle, respectively, and in 11/12, 3/12, and 5/12 of their control subjects. Peristaltic detection rate and frequency were significantly less for the endometriosis group than for the controls in the periovulatory phase only (p<0.05). Sustained contractions were recognized in 19/36 control subjects and in 13/26 endometriosis patients, but the difference was not significant. Uterine peristalsis appears to be suppressed during the periovulatory phase in patients with endometriosis, which may have an adverse effect on sperm transport.