Vagina: evaluation with MR imaging. Part I. Normal anatomy and congenital anomalies

The appearance of the vagina was evaluated on magnetic resonance (MR) images of 65 subjects who were healthy or had disease unrelated to the vagina and 24 patients with suspected congenital anomalies of the vagina. MR imaging accurately demonstrated the presence of (n = 78) or complete (n = 7) or partial (n = 4) absence of the vagina in each case. Partial (n = 2) or complete (n = 2) duplication of the vagina was also correctly diagnosed. Regardless of field strength, T2-predominant images were essential for evaluation. The transverse plane was optimal, and a 5-mm section thickness was preferable. Estrogen stimulation affected the appearance of the vagina: The contrast between the vaginal wall and the central mucus-containing area was greatest during the early proliferative and late secretory phases. MR imaging offers unique depiction of congenital anomalies and should be used when results of physical examination or other radiologic studies, such as ultrasound, are inconclusive.