title: Magnetic resonance elastography of uterine leiomyomas: a feasibility study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the feasibility of performing in vivo magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) for uterine leiomyoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pilot study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Academic medical center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six subjects planning surgical excision of uterine leiomyomas.
  
  
  METHODS
  MRE before planned surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Achieving an appropriate phase signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) in the leiomyoma to allow assessment of leiomyoma elasticity in kilopascals (kPa).
  
  
  RESULTS
  MRE was successful in all subjects for uteri ranging from 100 to >1,000 g. Subjects had body mass indexes ranging from 23.0 to 38.0 kg/m2. Appropriate PSNRs, ranging from 5.45 to 42.28, were achieved for leiomyomas in all subjects. Mean elasticity of uterine leiomyomas ranged from 3.95 to 6.68 kPa.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MRE is a feasible technique for studying the in vivo mechanical properties of uterine leiomyomas and demonstrates significant heterogeneity in elasticity between lesions. Further work is necessary to optimize the technique and understand the clinical utility of this technique for women with uterine leiomyomas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA. stewart.elizabeth@mayo.edu
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: F Andrei
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Taran
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Bobbie S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Gostout
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Woodrum
authors.forename: Joel P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Felmlee
authors.forename: Richard L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Ehman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054459:Elasticity Imaging Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery