Magnetic resonance imaging of the female pelvis

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is particularly well suited for the evaluation of the female pelvis because of the lack of respiratory motion and the multiplanar imaging ability of MR. The MR appearance of normal anatomy is dependent on the pulse sequence used. This is also true for pelvic pathology. Primary cervical carcinoma is best seen on T2-weighted images; parametrial extension and lymph node metastases are best evaluated on T1-weighted images. Endometrial carcinoma is also best seen on T2-weighted images. Absence of the junctional low intensity band of the uterus may indicate myometrial invasion by endometrial tumor, although more data are needed to make a final diagnosis. Uterine leiomyomata have a variable MR appearance which may be related to the degree of cellularity of the tumor. Our experience in the MR appearance of adnexal masses is limited. MR imaging should assume a more important role in imaging the female pelvis in the future.