PURPOSE: To demonstrate the anatomy of the female pelvic floor with endovaginal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten healthy nulliparous volunteers (age, 22-26 years) underwent MR imaging with an endovaginal coil. Findings on endovaginal MR images in the volunteers were correlated with findings on endovaginal MR images and cross-sectional anatomic slices obtained in three cadavers. RESULTS: The endovaginal coil was well tolerated by all volunteers. Pelvic floor structures such as the pelvic diaphragm and the urogenital diaphragm were well depicted. Previously undescribed urethral supporting structures--the periurethral and paraurethral ligaments--were visualized. The zonal anatomy of the urethra was clearly visible. The endovaginal MR imaging findings in the volunteers correlated with the endovaginal MR findings and gross anatomy in the cadavers. CONCLUSION: Endovaginal MR imaging clearly demonstrates the anatomy of the female pelvic floor and urethra.
PURPOSE: To demonstrate the anatomy of the female pelvic floor with endovaginal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten healthy nulliparous volunteers (age, 22-26 years) underwent MR imaging with an endovaginal coil. Findings on endovaginal MR images in the volunteers were correlated with findings on endovaginal MR images and cross-sectional anatomic slices obtained in three cadavers. RESULTS: The endovaginal coil was well tolerated by all volunteers. Pelvic floor structures such as the pelvic diaphragm and the urogenital diaphragm were well depicted. Previously undescribed urethral supporting structures--the periurethral and paraurethral ligaments--were visualized. The zonal anatomy of the urethra was clearly visible. The endovaginal MR imaging findings in the volunteers correlated with the endovaginal MR findings and gross anatomy in the cadavers. CONCLUSION: Endovaginal MR imaging clearly demonstrates the anatomy of the female pelvic floor and urethra.
Authors: Christina Lewicky-Gaupp; Aisha Yousuf; Kindra A Larson; Dee E Fenner; John O L Delancey Journal: Am J Obstet Gynecol Date: 2010-05 Impact factor: 8.661
Authors: Wolfgang H Umek; Rohna Kearney; Daniel M Morgan; James A Ashton-Miller; John O L DeLancey Journal: Obstet Gynecol Date: 2003-11 Impact factor: 7.661
Authors: Jaap Stoker; Elena Rociu; J L H Ruud Bosch; Embert J Messelink; Victor P M van der Hulst; Annette G Groenendijk; Marinus J C Eijkemans; Johan S Laméris Journal: Eur Radiol Date: 2003-04-12 Impact factor: 5.315