Study on adenomyosis with MR imaging and digital subtraction angiography

Objective To analyze the MRI and DSA feature of uterine adenomyosis, and further understand its imaging apperance. Methods MR imaging and DSA were performed in 27 cases of uterine adenomyosis before TUAE. MR imaging consisted of T1-weighted spin-echo sequence obtained before and after contrast material administration(0.1 mmol/kg of body weight of gadolinium dimeglumine), T2-weighted Turbo spin-echo sequences. On different sequence, MRI signal intensity and relative features of the adenomyosis were analyzed. Superselective angiography was performed in bilateral uterine artery and the DSA appearances in different periods of time were analyzed. Results All the 27 cases showed uterine enlargment. The junctional zone thickened focally or diffusely in 19 cases, the average thickness was (36.11±10.50) mm. Eight cases showed adenomyoma with the average volume of (155.70±81.86) mm3. Bright foci, which indicated the vivid enhancement, was seen in the abnormal fields of low signal intensity on T2-weighted images in about 85% of paients. Uterine arteriograms in 27 cases showed spiral arteries enlarged and lengthened in different degrees. Neogenetic arteries, which provided the blood supply together with the enlarged and sinuous arteries simultaneously, were found in 9 adenmomyoma caes. Conclusion Both typical MRI and DSA fetures were found in adenomyosis patients. Definite diagnosis can be made based on the conventional MR imaging, and DSA can provide more useful information for the diagnosis.