Magnetic resonance imaging of pelvic floor disorders

Gaurav Khatri1

  • 1From the Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.

Insights

Pelvic floor MRI offers detailed anatomical and functional insights, surpassing physical exams for diagnosing pelvic floor dysfunction. This imaging technique is becoming more accessible and advantageous compared to traditional methods.

Area of Science:

  • Medical imaging
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pelvic floor disorders

Background:

  • Physical examination is insufficient for diagnosing pelvic floor dysfunction.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides high-quality anatomical and functional pelvic floor evaluation.
  • Growing recognition of MRI's utility in assessing pelvic floor issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the technical and interpretational aspects of pelvic floor MRI.
  • To highlight MRI's role in evaluating pelvic floor dysfunction.
  • To compare MRI with traditional fluoroscopic defecography.

Main Methods:

  • Focus on technical aspects of pelvic floor MRI.
  • Discuss interpretational guidelines for pelvic floor MRI.
  • Review of current literature on pelvic floor MRI applications.

Main Results:

  • MRI is a robust modality for pelvic floor assessment.
  • MRI offers advantages over fluoroscopic defecography.
  • Technical feasibility on most MRI magnets is increasing.

Conclusions:

  • Pelvic floor MRI is a valuable tool for evaluating dysfunction.
  • Standardization and radiologist experience are areas for development.
  • MRI's role in pelvic floor diagnostics is expanding.

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