Obstetrical magnetic resonance imaging: maternal anatomy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Radiology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Pregnancy induces significant anatomical and physiological adaptations in the maternal body.
• Understanding these changes is crucial for accurate medical assessment and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in visualizing anatomical changes in the maternal pelvis during late pregnancy.
• To compare MR imaging findings in pregnant patients with non-pregnant controls.

Main Methods:

• MR imaging was performed on eleven pregnant patients (34-36 weeks gestation) and five non-pregnant volunteers.
• Pelvic MR images were analyzed for anatomical variations and venous flow patterns.

Main Results:

• Fetal presenting part-cervical os relationship and cervical effacement were visualized.
• Maternal spine disk abnormalities were noted in nine pregnant patients.
• Significant changes in venous flow, including inferior vena cava compression and iliac vessel alterations, were observed in all pregnant patients.

Conclusions:

• MR imaging effectively demonstrates pregnancy-related anatomical and hemodynamic changes in the maternal pelvis.
• Findings indicate potential for MR imaging in assessing pelvic structures and venous circulation during late gestation.