MR three-dimensional reconstruction in diagnosis and treatment of anorectal malformations

Abstract

Objective To evaluate magnetic resonance images 3D reconstruction in anorectal malformations (ARM). Methods Magnetic resonance imaging examinations were performed on a 1.5-T magnet. Sagittal, coronal, and transverse turbo spin-echo (SE). T1-weighted and fast SE (FSE) T2-weighted images of the pelvic region were obtained in 28 children, and fat-suppression was applied in transversal and sagittal Tt Wl images were obtained in babies. A 3D reconstruction on a conventional personal computer (PC) was achieved with the assistance of 3D-Doctor software. The level and type of ARM and the developmental state of the Striated Muscle Complex (SMC) was analyzed with 3D re-construction image. Results The 3D images of the pelvic were confirmed by operation in 14 eases ARM (types: 5 high cases with rectal caecum located above SMCs, 4 intermediate with rectal caecum partially through SMCs, 5 low with rectal caecum fully through SMCs) and 14 control cases with rectal caecum penetrated SMCs. Three-dimensional reconstructed images displayed perfectly the anatomical relationships of the SMC and the rectal caecum in this space. The 3D configuration of the SMC was dif-ferent in each of the high and the low type eases. The malformation of SMCs in high type differed par-ticularly from the controls. Conclusions Pelvic MR 3D reconstructed images can show the dimensional anatomical relations of pelvis, bladder, urethra, rectum and SMC. It will help to provide morphological data for image diagnosis and operation for children with ARM. Key words: Anorectal malformations; Striated Muscle Complex; MRI; Three-dimensional re-construction