Magnetic resonance imaging of the uterus after endometrial resection.
OBJECTIVE
Despite the increasing popularity of endometrial resection for the treatment of menstrual problems, the long term sequelae of this procedure are poorly recognised. As diagnostic hysteroscopy following endometrial resection is frequently unrewarding and transvaginal ultrasound is incapable of detecting subtle changes in endometrial morphology, magnetic resonance imaging was employed to evaluate the uterus.


METHODS
Retrospective study of unselected post-operative women.


METHODS
Fifty-nine women, of whom 22 were amenorrhoeic, were studied a mean number of 34 months after endometrial resection, using a 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging system with a pelvic phased array coil for signal reception. T2-weighted FSE images were acquired through the long and short uterine axis and volumetric assessment of each uterine layer performed using an ISG Allegro workstation.


METHODS
The location and volume of residual endometrium, the volume of junctional zone and myometrial tissue, and the presence of additional intrauterine and pelvic pathology were recorded.


RESULTS
Residual endometrium was demonstrated in all except three amenorrhoeic women, with a similar mean volume present in menstruating and amenorrhoeic groups. Additional findings included adenomyosis, haematometra, fallopian tube dilatation and free intraperitoneal fluid.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of amenorrhoeic and all menstruating women have residual endometrium after endometrial resection. The lack of communication of islands of residual endometrium with the uterine cavity results in haematometra formation, fallopian tube dilatation and possibly free intraperitoneal fluid.
Turnbull
L W
LW
Centre for MR Investigations, University of Hull, Hull Royal Infirmary, UK.
Jumaa
A
A
Bowsley
S J
SJ
Dhawan
S
S
Horsman
A
A
Killick
S R
SR
D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D004717:Endometrium / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008598:Menstruation; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery