title: Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging in the ewe: a model for experimental gynecologic research.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Our goal was to demonstrate the feasibility of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the ewe.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two ewes underwent a pelvic 3 Tesla MRI scan, under light anesthesia, with T2-weighted fast spin-echo images and T1-weighted spoiled gradient-echo images. Multiplan T1 weighted images were also obtained after the intravenous injection of a contrast product. One ewe was anestrous and the other one had undergone ovarian stimulation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No incident occurred during the examination. Both the uterus (with two horns) and the ovaries were identified. The intensity of the endometrial, myometrial and ovarian signals was similar to that encountered in women. The uterus and ovaries could be enhanced in both cases. Pelvic vasculature was also studied. In the case of hormonal stimulation, the endometrium was thicker, follicular growth was identified and enhancement seemed greater.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MRI in the ewe is feasible and could be helpful in experimental gynecologic research, especially in uterus transplantation.
authors.affiliation: Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Mother and Child Hospital, University Hospital of Limoges, Limoges, France.
authors.forename: Tristan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gauthier
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Marquet
authors.forename: Dorra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kanoun
authors.forename: Antoine
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maubon
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Piver
authors.forename: Claude
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Couquet
authors.forename: Yves
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Aubard
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017849:Animals, Inbred Strains; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D005682:Gadolinium / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000662:veterinary; D010053:Ovary / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply; D034561:Sheep, Domestic / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014599:Uterus / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium
keywords: ewe; gynecology; magnetic resonance imaging; sheep; transplantation; uterus