title: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of perianal fistulae with surgical correlation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of the study was to evaluate the role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in detection and characterization of perianal fistulae and correlating it with surgical findings.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty consecutive patients with suspected perianal fistulae having one or more external openings were prospectively selected for MRI evaluation. Previously operated or patients with recurrent perianal disease were excluded from the study. MRI findings were recorded according to "St. James's University Hospital MR Imaging Classification of Perianal Fistulae" and correlated with surgical observations. Finally, comparison between T2-weighted fat saturated and postcontrast T1-weighted fat saturated sequences was done.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Amongst the total of 50 patients, per-operative findings confirmed perianal fistulae in 45 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI in correctly detecting and grading the primary tract was found to be 95.56% and 80% respectively; for abscess, it was 87.50% and 95.24% respectively. High sensitivity was also discerned in identification of secondary tract (93.75%), correct localization of internal opening (95.83%) and for correctly detecting the horse-shoeing (87.50%). Our assumption of null hypothesis was accepted on comparing results of T2-weighted fat saturated sequences and postcontrast T1-weighted fat saturated sequences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was highly accurate in assessment of surgically important parameters (primary tract and its grading, internal opening, secondary tract, abscess, horseshoeing) of perianal fistulae. Comparison of results of imaging findings on T2-weighted and postcontrast T1-weighted fat saturated sequences were statistically similar, so contrast study can be omitted, particularly while evaluating primary / previously unoperated perianal fistulae.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, SGRD institute of Medical Sciences and Research , Amritsar, Punjab, India .
authors.forename: Kulvinder
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Senior Resident, Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital , Ludhiana, Punjab, India .
authors.forename: Navdeep
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, SGRD institute of Medical Sciences and Research , Amritsar, Punjab, India .
authors.forename: Cl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Thukral
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, SGRD institute of Medical Sciences and Research , Amritsar, Punjab, India .
authors.forename: Kunwar Pal
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Senior Resident, Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, SGRD institute of Medical Sciences and Research , Amritsar, Punjab, India .
authors.forename: Varun
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bhalla
keywords: Fistula; MRI; Perianal