title: Magnetic resonance imaging of anorectal malformations.
abstract: Anorectal malformation (ARM) occurs in approximately 1 in 5000 newborns and is frequently accompanied by anomalies of the genitalia, gynecologic system, urinary tract, spine, and skeletal system. Diagnostic imaging plays a central role in ARM evaluation. Because of the lack of ionizing radiation, excellent intrinsic contrast resolution, multiplanar imaging capabilities, technical advances in hardware, and innovative imaging protocols, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is increasingly important in assessment of ARM patients in utero, postnatally before definitive surgical correction, and in the postoperative period. This article discusses the role of MR imaging in evaluating ARM patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 5031, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA. Electronic address: daniel.podberesky@cchmc.org.
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Podberesky
authors.forename: Alexander J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Towbin
authors.forename: Mohamed A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Eltomey
authors.forename: Marc A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Levitt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology; D000071056:Anorectal Malformations; D001006:Anus, Imperforate / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D056888:Patient Positioning / Q000379:methods*; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D012007:Rectum / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology
keywords: Anorectal malformation; Children; Cloaca; Cloacal malformation; MR imaging