Role of magnetic resonance imaging in pregnancy-associated obstetric and gynecological complications

Abstract

Background: To study the role of MRI in diagnosing pregnancy-associated obstetric and gynecological complications. We prospectively studied 48 pregnant and postpartum women, aged between 20 and 45 years, who were referred for MRI between August 2016 and April 2018 with suspected pregnancy-associated obstetric and gynecological complication. MRI findings were confirmed by intra-operative or histological findings. Results: Out of the 48 patients, there were 32 women with suspected placenta accreta, 5 pregnant women with 6 ectopic pregnancies (1 patient had two gestational sacs), 3 with ovarian pathologies, 3 with uterine pathologies, 3 with abruptio placenta, and 2 with miscellaneous pathologies. In our study, there was an accuracy of 81.6% with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 50%. There was 100% accuracy in predicting abruptio placenta, ovarian, uterine, and miscellaneous pathologies by MRI. There was 83.4% and 75% accuracy in predicting ectopic pregnancy and placenta accreta, respectively, by MRI. Conclusion: MRI is very useful to diagnose pregnancy-associated obstetric and gynecological complications. It will be an important complementary tool to sonography and thereby facilitate better patient management.

How Could Nanomedicine Improve the Safety of Contrast Agents for MRI during Pregnancy?

“…Ultrasound detection of hematomas related to placental abruption is difficult and often leads to false diagnoses [13,21]. The use of MRI is helpful for correct identification [27].…”

“…MRI often allows for a more precise diagnosis compared to the transvaginal US, especially in cases of unusual presentations [24]. The use of MRI has also been reported in the context of the prediction of uterine rupture or individuation of ovarian torsions, adnexal masses, and fibroids [24,27].…”