title: [Endoanal MR imaging: diagnostic assessment].
abstract: Endoanal MR imaging is an alternative to anal endosonography for the acquisition of high-resolution images of the external and internal anal sphincter. A dedicated anal receiver coil is placed in the anus so that it spans the sphincter complex. Highly detailed images of the sphincters can be obtained in any plane and the morphological abnormalities found in various types of anal incontinence can be demonstrated. Whilst MR demonstrates external sphincter disruption with an efficacy similar to that of endosonography, it is better able to demonstrate external sphincter atrophy that is presumed secondary to neuropathy. The finding of coexisting muscular atrophy on MR may prejudice the effects of anal sphincter repair for obstetric disruption.
authors.affiliation: Intestinal Imaging Centre,St.Mark's Hospital,Northwick Park, London,UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Frudinger
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Buchanan
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Halligan
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019160:Endosonography; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D009133:Muscular Atrophy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity