Vaginal masses: magnetic resonance imaging features with pathologic correlation

Acta Radiol. 2007 Oct;48(8):921-33. doi: 10.1080/02841850701552926.

Abstract

The detection of vaginal lesions has increased with the expanding use of cross-sectional imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - with its high-contrast resolution and multiplanar capabilities - is often useful for characterizing vaginal masses. Vaginal masses can be classified as congenital, inflammatory, cystic (benign), and neoplastic (benign or malignant) in etiology. Recognition of the typical MR imaging features of such lesions is important because it often determines the treatment approach and may obviate surgery. Finally, vaginal MR imaging can be used to evaluate post-treatment changes related to previous surgery and radiation therapy. In this article, we will review pertinent vaginal anatomy, vaginal and pelvic MRI technique, and the MRI features of a variety of vaginal lesions with pathological correlation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma / pathology
  • Cysts / diagnosis
  • Cysts / pathology
  • Female
  • Hematocolpos / diagnosis
  • Hematocolpos / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hydrocolpos / diagnosis
  • Hydrocolpos / pathology
  • Leiomyoma / diagnosis
  • Leiomyoma / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Paraganglioma / diagnosis
  • Paraganglioma / pathology
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma / diagnosis
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma / pathology
  • Vagina / pathology
  • Vagina / radiation effects
  • Vagina / surgery
  • Vaginal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Vaginal Diseases / pathology*
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / secondary
  • Vaginitis / diagnosis
  • Vaginitis / pathology