Periurethral and paravaginal anatomy: An endovaginal magnetic resonance imaging study

OBJECTIVE: Endoluminal and phased-array coil techniques both improve the resolution of magnetic resonance imaging. This descriptive study combined these techniques to image the female periurethral and paravaginal anatomy. STUDY DESIGN: Four continent nulliparous women and four incontinent women with bladder neck descent or paravaginal support defects were studied with a 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging unit by use of a vaginally placed endoluminal coil coupled to a pelvic phased-array coil. RESULTS: The posterior pubourethral ligaments and paravaginal attachments were effectively imaged. Images correlated with clinically appreciated paravaginal defects. A trend toward doubling of the volume of the retropubic space was seen in the incontinent group compared with the continent group. Distances from the posterior symphysis to the anterior vaginal wall were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: An endovaginally placed colon coil coupled to a pelvic phased-array coil allows detailed magnetic resonance imaging of the periurethral and paravaginal anatomy.