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European Radiology
Published in: European Radiology 8/2018

Open Access 01-08-2018 | Urogenital

European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) Guidelines: MR Imaging of Leiomyomas

Authors: Rahel A. Kubik-Huch, Michael Weston, Stephanie Nougaret, Henrik Leonhardt, Isabelle Thomassin-Naggara, Mariana Horta, Teresa Margarida Cunha, Cristina Maciel, Andrea Rockall, Rosemarie Forstner

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 8/2018

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Abstract

Objective

The aim of the Female Pelvic Imaging Working Group of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) was to develop imaging guidelines for MR work-up in patients with known or suspected uterine leiomyomas.

Methods

Guidelines for imaging uterine leiomyomas were defined based on a survey distributed to all members of the working group, an expert consensus meeting at European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2017 and a critical review of the literature.

Results

The 25 returned questionnaires as well as the expert consensus meeting have shown reasonable homogeneity of practice among institutions. Expert consensus and literature review lead to an optimized MRI protocol to image uterine leiomyomas. Recommendations include indications for imaging, patient preparation, MR protocols and reporting criteria. The incremental value of functional imaging (DWI, DCE) is highlighted and the role of MR angiography discussed.

Conclusions

MRI offers an outstanding and reproducible map of the size, site and distribution of leiomyomas. A standardised imaging protocol and method of reporting ensures that the salient features are recognised. These imaging guidelines are based on the current practice among expert radiologists in the field of female pelvic imaging and also incorporate essentials of the current published MR literature of uterine leiomyomas.

Key Points

• MRI allows comprehensive mapping of size and distribution of leiomyomas.
• Basic MRI comprise T2W and T1W sequences centered to the uterus.
• Standardized reporting ensures pivotal information on leiomyomas, the uterus and differential diagnosis.
• MRI aids in differentiation of leiomyomas from other benign and malignant entities, including leiomyosarcoma.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) Guidelines: MR Imaging of Leiomyomas
Authors
Rahel A. Kubik-Huch
Michael Weston
Stephanie Nougaret
Henrik Leonhardt
Isabelle Thomassin-Naggara
Mariana Horta
Teresa Margarida Cunha
Cristina Maciel
Andrea Rockall
Rosemarie Forstner
Publication date
01-08-2018
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Radiology / Issue 8/2018
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-017-5157-5

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