MRI evaluation of pelvis in Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome: interobserver agreement for surgically relevant structures

OBJECTIVES: Diagnostic role of MRI in Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is well documented. Recent studies have shown the relevance of MRI in detailing the pelvic anatomy, particularly small Mullerian remnants. The results are, however, not consistent and reproducibility of MRI features has not been confirmed. The aim of our study was to evaluate the detailed pelvic anatomy in patients with MRKH syndrome and to calculate the interobserver agreement of the MRI features. METHODS: The study was carried out on female patients, aged 15-30 years, with primary amenorrhea. Following clinical, gynaecological, endocrinological, ultrasound and chromosomal work-up and a provisional diagnosis of MRKH syndrome, MRI pelvis was performed on 25 patients using a 1.5 T scanner. MRI images were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists for a detailed evaluation of Mullerian structures (uterine buds, fibrous bands, midline triangular soft tissue), vagina, and ovaries. κ coefficient was calculated as a measure of interobserver agreement. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was good to excellent (κ: 0.7788 ± 0.2168 to 1 ± 0) for uterine buds and their characteristics, vagina, ovaries and associated renal/vertebral anomalies; poor to fair for fibrous bands (κ: 0.2857 ± 0.3273 to 0.6032 ± 0.2149) and good for midline triangular soft tissue (κ: 0.7826 ± 0.1474). CONCLUSION: MRI is capable of providing key pre-operative anatomical information in MRKH syndrome non-invasively. There is good to excellent interobserver agreement for MRI features of most of the surgical relevant structures. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: MRI features of salient preoperative anatomical structures are reproducible between observers.