OBJECTIVE: To determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in pregnancy would help define a benign pelvic mass, thereby avoiding laparotomy. METHODS: During a 2-3-year period, five pregnant women with adnexal masses suspected to be leiomyomas underwent MRI. RESULTS: Four patients had evidence of leiomyoma and one had a benign cystic teratoma. All avoided laparotomy because of the almost certain radiologic findings of a benign process. In two women, there was an important effect on the pregnancy; one had fetal growth retardation and the other an outlet obstruction precluding vaginal delivery. Four of the patients underwent cesarean delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging can be used in the differential diagnosis of an adnexal mass in pregnancy. This will enable some pregnant patients to avoid laparotomy and its concomitant risks.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in pregnancy would help define a benign pelvic mass, thereby avoiding laparotomy. METHODS: During a 2-3-year period, five pregnant women with adnexal masses suspected to be leiomyomas underwent MRI. RESULTS: Four patients had evidence of leiomyoma and one had a benign cystic teratoma. All avoided laparotomy because of the almost certain radiologic findings of a benign process. In two women, there was an important effect on the pregnancy; one had fetal growth retardation and the other an outlet obstruction precluding vaginal delivery. Four of the patients underwent cesarean delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging can be used in the differential diagnosis of an adnexal mass in pregnancy. This will enable some pregnant patients to avoid laparotomy and its concomitant risks.