Evaluation of the female urethra with intraurethral magnetic resonance imaging.
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate feasibility of intraurethral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for in vivo assessment of the female urethra and to determine the anatomy of the urethra and periurethral attachments as depicted using an endourethral MR coil. Twenty-three continent volunteers were studied with a 14F endourethral MR coil. Intraurethral MRI allowed detailed visualization and measurements of the muscular layers of the urethral sphincter and permitted the evaluation of supporting ligaments. This technique may become useful in the evaluation of anatomical defects associated with female urethral sphincter deficiency.
Macura
Katarzyna J
KJ
Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-0750, USA. kmacura@jhmi.edu
Genadry
Rene
R
Borman
Tracy L
TL
Mostwin
Jacek L
JL
Lardo
Albert C
AC
Bluemke
David A
DA
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D015588:Observer Variation; D012016:Reference Values; D014521:Urethra / Q000033:anatomy & histology*