MRI in the evaluation of müllerian duct anomalies.
OBJECTIVE
Müllerian duct anomalies (MDAs) result from nondevelopment or nonfusion of the müllerian ducts and occur in 1-5% of women. Accurate diagnosis of the various subtypes is of great importance as MDAs are frequently associated with a broad variety of clinical symptoms. Recently, evidence arose that MRI might play a major role in diagnosis of MDAs. We present four cases of diverse subtypes of MDAs and the corresponding MRI findings.


METHODS
Patients (n = 4) with clinical suspicion of MDAs were examined with MRI. Coronal and transaxial T1- and T2-weighted images were acquired. Diagnosis was made and patients were grouped according to the American Fertility Society's classification. Patients underwent laparoscopy or laparotomy in order to confirm the diagnosis.


RESULTS
MRI revealed MDAs in all patients. In detail, one patient was diagnosed with hypoplastic uterus, one with unicornuate uterus with a noncommunicating rudimentary horn, one with bicornuate uterus bicollis with a double vagina and one with septate uterus. MRI diagnosis was correct in all cases, as confirmed by subsequent surgical intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
MRI is a valuable tool in diagnosis of MDA subtypes. Its use will help to spare patients mutilating surgery and to prevent pregnancy-associated complications.
Marten
K
K
Department of Radiology, Georg August University, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, D-37075 Goettingen, Germany.
Vosshenrich
R
R
Funke
M
M
Obenauer
S
S
Baum
F
F
Grabbe
E
E
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009095:Mullerian Ducts / Q000002:abnormalities*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014599:Uterus / Q000002:abnormalities*; D014621:Vagina / Q000002:abnormalities*