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MRI of female urethra and periurethral pathologies

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Accurate diagnosis of a wide spectrum of urethral/periurethral pathologies in women remains challenging due to its anatomical location and nonspecific clinical presentations. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as the modality of choice for diagnosing female urethral and periurethral pathologies due to its multiplanar scanning capability, superior soft tissue differentiation, noninvasive nature, and overall excellent contrast resolution.

Methods

In this narrative review, we describe the use of MRI to visualize the female urethra and periurethral pathologies.

Results

MRI can confidently characterize lesions into cystic or solid, provide a more succinct differential diagnosis, and in some cases provide a specific and accurate diagnosis, enabling surgeons to prepare a roadmap before operative procedure. Moreover, functional MRI can be useful to assess dynamic disorders such as urethral hypermobility.

Conclusions

We provide a comprehensive review of normal MR anatomy of the female urethra, as well as the MR features of practically important urethral and periurethral lesions.

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Conflicts of interest

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104-2499, USA

    Malak Itani, Manjiri K. Dighe, Ryan O’Malley, Kiran Gangadhar & Neeraj Lalwani

  2. Department of Radiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada

    Ania Kielar

  3. Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA

    Christine O. Menias

  4. Department of Radiology, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA

    Venkat Surabhi

  5. Department of Radiology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Srinivasa R. Prasad

Authors
  1. Malak Itani
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  2. Ania Kielar
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Neeraj Lalwani.

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Itani, M., Kielar, A., Menias, C.O. et al. MRI of female urethra and periurethral pathologies. Int Urogynecol J 27, 195–204 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-015-2790-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-015-2790-x

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