MR imaging of disorders associated with female infertility: Use in diagnosis, treatment, and management

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has extended the usefulness of imaging in evaluation of pelvic disorders associated with female infertility. The causes of female infertility include ovulatory disorders (ie, pituitary adenoma and polycystic ovarian syndrome), disorders of the fallopian tubes (ie, hydrosalpinx and pelvic inflammatory disease), uterine disorders (ie, mullerian duct anomaly, adenomyosis, and leiomyoma), and pelvic endometriosis. Although laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, hysterosalpingography, and transvaginal ultrasonography are the most effective techniques for in evaluation of pelvic disorders related to female infertility MR imaging is, used in a variety of clinical settings in diagnosis, treatment, and management. The applications of MR imaging include evaluation of the function. ing uterus and ovaries, visualization of pituitary adenomas, differentiation of mullerian duct anomalies, and accurate noninvasive diagnosis of adenomyosis, leiomyoma, and endometriosis. In addition, MR imaging helps predict the outcome of conservative treatment for adenomyosis, leiomyoma, and endometriosis and may lead to selection of better treatment plans and management. Finally, MR imaging may serve as an adjunct to diagnostic laparoscopy and hysterosalpingography in patients with hydrosalpinx, peritubal adhesions, or pelvic adhesions related to endometriosis.