MRI for perianal fistula

Publication date: Available online 16 April 2016 Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI Author(s): Damian J.M. Tolan Perianal fistulas and other inflammatory diseases of the anus and perianal soft tissues are a cause of substantial morbidity, and a major part of the practice of any colorectal surgeon. MRI has a key role in the assessment of patients for the extent of fistulizing disease, complications related to fistulas and to assist in confirming the diagnosis or proposing an alternative. Technique is critical and in particular the selection of sequences for diagnosis and characterization of abnormalities with the main choices being between standard anatomic sequences (T1 or T2), assessing for oedema (FS T2 or STIR), assessing abnormal contrast enhancement (FS T1), assessing for abnormal diffusion or a combination of these. Guidance on MRI sequence selection, classification of fistulas, the current guidance on the role for MRI in assessing patients and advice on how to provide useful structured reports are included, as well as how to detect complications of perianal sepsis.

Source: Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI - April 16, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: research