title: MRI of perianal fistulae: a pictorial kaleidoscope.
abstract: Perianal fistulae are an abnormal communication between the anorectum and the perianal skin. A seemingly benign condition, it can be a cause of considerable distress to the patient if it is not mapped out adequately before embarking upon surgical correction. The persistence of residual disease complicates and up-stages the grade of the remnant fistula with increased risk of anal incontinence following surgery secondary to damage to the anal sphincter complex. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can play a critical role in mapping the fistulae tract in relation to the anal sphincter complex and hence, act as a reliable guide for the surgeon to chart the optimised management of perianal fistulae. This review illustrates the role of MRI in the imaging evaluation of perianal fistulae, to facilitate a well-planned surgical course.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiodiagnosis, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi 110029, India. Electronic address: drnishithkumar@rediffmail.com.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiodiagnosis, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi 110029, India.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Agarwal
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi 110029, India.
authors.forename: A Singh
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Chawla
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Primus Super Speciality Hospital, Chandragupt Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jain
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiodiagnosis, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi 110029, India.
authors.forename: B Bhushan
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Thukral
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D012003:Rectal Fistula / Q000473:pathology*; D012007:Rectum / Q000473:pathology*