The utility of MRI for the surgical treatment of women with uterine fibroid tumors
Journal: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (in press, available now on-line for subscribers)
Authors: William Parker
From: UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA.
Problem: Fibroids can usually be diagnosed by pelvic examination and ultrasound, but neither gives us exact information about the sizes, number, and positions of all fibroids present. Excellent studies show that MRI is the most accurate way to get all this information, but most gynecologists do not order MRIs or know how to interpret them.
Clinical Opinion: This article describes how MRI works, illustrates normal pelvic anatomy and the appearance of fibroids (and adenomyosis) on MRI and discusses the ways to limit the number of images and, therefore, the cost of an MRI. Three actual cases from my practice are presented to show how MRI can change the treatment options available to women with fibroids.
Authors’ (Dr. Parker’s) Conclusions: If your gynecologist is able to perform only a hysterectomy, then precise imaging of fibroids is not necessary since they will all be removed with the uterus. However, with many other treatment options now available, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help tell us which options may be best. If your gynecologist does not offer the available, often less invasive, treatment options, accurate information allows you to find a gynecologist who has the skills to take care of you.
