MR imaging of the female pelvic floor

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of female pelvic floor relaxation is a relatively new technique that, once mastered, is easy to perform and interpret. Rapidly acquired T2-weighted images are obtained in the axial plane at rest and in the sagittal plane both at rest and at strain. In symptomatic patients, abnormal descent of pelvic viscera on sagittal images is indicative of muscle or fascial weakness. Muscle thinning and tears are readily seen on MR images, and most fascial damage is inferred from the presence of secondary signs. Using MR images, all three compartments of the pelvic floor can be evaluated simultaneously and the information used to plan optimal surgical repair.