Dynamic MR imaging aids female urethra evaluation

MR can reveal and characterize unsuspected pelvic organ prolapse in women, according to a study presented at the 2006 Society of Computed Body Tomography and Magnetic Resonance meeting.

Researchers at New York University, led by Dr. Genevieve L. Bennett, retrospectively reviewed MRI data from 99 women referred for several indications. Patients underwent dynamic TrueFisp scanning at 1.5T, alternating between rest and strain. Dynamic MRI confirmed pelvic organ prolapse in five patients at rest and also detected the condition in 33 patients during stress maneuvers. Researchers did not find a significant correlation between the original indication for imaging and the MR findings, however.

"We routinely use dynamic MRI in this patient population. The sequence requires less than a minute of additional imaging time," Bennett said.