title: Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvic floor: from clinical to biomechanical imaging.
abstract: This article reviews the current role of magnetic resonance imaging in the study of the pelvic floor anatomy and pelvic floor dysfunction. The application of static and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in the clinical context and for biomechanical simulation modeling is assessed, and the main findings are summarized. Additionally, magnetic resonance-based diffusion tensor imaging is presented as a potential tool to evaluate muscle fiber morphology. In this article, focus is set on pelvic floor muscle damage related to urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, sometimes as a consequence of vaginal delivery. Modeling applications that evaluate anatomical and physiological properties of pelvic floor are presented to further illustrate their particular characteristics. Finally, finite element method is described as a method for modeling and analyzing pelvic floor structures' biomechanical performance, based on material and behavioral properties of the tissues, and considering pressure loads that mimic real-life conditions such as active contraction or Valsalva maneuver.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Centro Hospitalar de São João-EPE, Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Sofia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brandão
authors.forename: Thuane
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Da Roza
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Parente
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ramos
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mascarenhas
authors.forename: Renato M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Natal Jorge
mesh_terms: D019245:Compressive Strength / Q000502:physiology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D008954:Models, Biological; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D011312:Pressure; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013718:Tensile Strength / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Pelvic floor morphology; biomechanics; finite element method; magnetic resonance imaging; magnetic resonance tractography