Benign disease of the uterus and ovaries. Applications of magnetic resonance imaging.

Because of its relatively low cost, widespread availability, and patient tolerance ultrasound remains the primary modality for imaging the female pelvis. Nevertheless, MR imaging can contribute to cost-effective management in women who have suspected myomas or adenomyosis by establishing the diagnosis noninvasively. It can also improve management and reduce costs by providing precise presurgical mapping prior to myomectomy or correction of müllerian duct anomalies. In these instances, other tests such as hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy may be obviated if fallopian tube disease is not strongly suspected. MR imaging is also valuable in patients in whom suspected adnexal masses are not detected sonographically or in whom definitive diagnosis of juxta-uterine myoma, cystic teratoma, or hemorrhagic mass may alter management.