Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Characterization and Management of Uterine Leiomyoma

Abstract

Background: The most frequent benign disease affecting women of reproductive age is uterine leiomyoma. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the current state of art imaging modality for localization and characterization.   Objective: To determine the relevance of MRI in the Characterization and management of leiomyoma and to analyze clinical practice advantages of MRI findings.   Patients and Methods: This study included 50 individuals with uterine fibroids detected By trans-abdominal or trans-vaginal US. MRI was done to confirm, characterize and pinpoint their exact location and any abnormal characterization.   Results: There was a significant (p≤0.05) association between the impression of fibroid (non-degenerated, degenerated leiomyoma), post-gadolinium enhancement of fibroid and histopathological findings. There was no significant relationship between MRI (T1-weighted image) results, and MRI (T2-weighted image), their histological findings, and management.   Conclusions: leiomyomas can provide a standard signal during MR imaging, but larger tumour may display a variety of degeneration patterns that significantly alter the look of the lesion. MRI provide better fibroid characterization, helps differentiate degenerated from non-degenerated leiomyoma and guides in choosing safe and better management procedure.