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Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
07:41

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Published on: April 17, 2019

Pelvic MRI in children with Crohn disease and suspected perianal involvement

Brendan Essary1, John Kim, Sudha Anupindi

  • 1Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. bessary@partners.org

Pediatric Radiology
|December 21, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Pelvic MRI is crucial for diagnosing perianal fistulas in pediatric Crohn disease patients. This imaging technique accurately maps fistula extent and aids surgical planning, differentiating from conditions like pilonidal sinus.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology and Medical Imaging
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research

Background:

  • Crohn disease frequently affects pediatric patients, often presenting with perianal complications.
  • Accurate assessment of perianal fistulas is vital for effective management and surgical planning in pediatric Crohn disease.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has emerged as a key modality for evaluating these complex conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe essential MRI techniques for evaluating perianal complications in pediatric Crohn disease.
  • To illustrate typical MRI findings of perianal fistulas and associated abscesses.
  • To highlight the utility of MRI in differentiating perianal Crohn disease from other conditions, such as pilonidal sinus.

Main Methods:

  • Review of pertinent pelvic anatomy relevant to perianal fistula evaluation.
  • Description of specialized MRI techniques optimized for pediatric patients.
  • Presentation of a pictorial essay with illustrative examples of common and atypical findings.

Main Results:

  • Pelvic MRI effectively defines the extent, location, and characteristics of perianal fistulas and abscesses.
  • MRI provides critical information for guiding surgical interventions.
  • A case is presented where MRI distinguished a pilonidal sinus from a suspected perianal fistula.

Conclusions:

  • MRI is the imaging method of choice for evaluating perianal fistulas and complications in pediatric Crohn disease.
  • Understanding specific MRI techniques and anatomy is essential for accurate diagnosis.
  • MRI plays a crucial role in operative management and differential diagnosis of perianal conditions in this population.

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