Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Female Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Review of Dynamic MRI Defecography

Abstract

The goal of this study is to review MRI defecography, interpretation, and reporting. The multifactorial etiology of pelvic floor dysfunction has led to a variety of treatments with varying degrees of success which are dependent on proper pretreatment diagnosis and characterization. The ability of MRI defecography to identify and characterize isolated or multiple coexistent abnormalities has led to its significantly increased utilization in the diagnosis and successful treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction. Female pelvic floor dysfunction constitutes a spectrum of pathologic conditions afflicting a large proportion of women throughout the world. Knowledge of important landmarks and measurements depicted during MRI defecography is paramount in detecting and determining the severity of these conditions which allows the referring physician to appropriately tailor specific treatment.