BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the gonads and internal genital structures is an essential component for evaluation of patients presenting with ambiguous genitalia. Ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the two preferred modalities. OBJECTIVE: To compare US and MRI in patients with intersex for localization of gonads and internal genitalia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients with proven intersex disorders were included in the study. Findings from US and MRI were corroborated by those from surgery/laparoscopy. RESULTS: For evaluation of the gonads, MRI was found to be marginally more sensitive than US. For internal genital structures, both modalities were found to be equally sensitive and specific with no false positive results. CONCLUSION: US still remains the modality of choice for screening patients with intersex disorders. MRI is helpful in cases with equivocal US findings.
BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the gonads and internal genital structures is an essential component for evaluation of patients presenting with ambiguous genitalia. Ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the two preferred modalities. OBJECTIVE: To compare US and MRI in patients with intersex for localization of gonads and internal genitalia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients with proven intersex disorders were included in the study. Findings from US and MRI were corroborated by those from surgery/laparoscopy. RESULTS: For evaluation of the gonads, MRI was found to be marginally more sensitive than US. For internal genital structures, both modalities were found to be equally sensitive and specific with no false positive results. CONCLUSION: US still remains the modality of choice for screening patients with intersex disorders. MRI is helpful in cases with equivocal US findings.