Magnetic resonance imaging of the female pelvic floor and urethra: body coil versus endovaginal coil |
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Authors: | I L Tan J Stoker J S Laméris |
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Affiliation: | (1) Department of Radiology, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, University Hospital Rotterdam-Dijkzigt, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands |
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Abstract: | The anatomy of the female pelvic floor and urethra is complex. With the introduction of MRI, the discussion about the normal
anatomy of this area has not diminished. The use of a body coil may be contributary to this. In the present study images obtained
with an endovaginal coil are compared with those of a quadrature body coil series to study the possible advantages of endovaginal
imaging. Axial and radial T2-w TSE images at a 1.0-T machine were obtained in seven healthy volunteers. The pelvic floor structures as well as the levator
ani muscle and the urogenital diaphragm are excellently demonstrated with the endovaginal coil. Also, the urethrovaginal sphincter
could be recognized in six volunteers, but only in three with the body coil. In six volunteers a new ligamentous structure,
the urethropelvic sling, connecting the urethra to the levator ani muscle and contributing to the supporting mechanism of
the urethra is shown with the endovaginal coil. The zonal anatomy of the urethra is excellently shown with the endovaginal
coil. The urethral length could only be accurately measured with this coil and ranged from 3.1 to 3.6 cm. Compared with the
body coil, endovaginal MRI is excellent in demonstrating the anatomy of the pelvic floor and urethra. |
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Keywords: | magnetic resonance imaging pelvic floor female urethra |
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