MRI FOR EVALUATION OF PERIANAL INFLAMMATION

Background: We describe the value of using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in six distinct clinical settings often encountered in cases of perirectal inflammatory disease. Methods: MRI was performed on six pat ients with known perianal inflammatory disease; the number, anatomic e xtent, location, and signal intensities of various lesions and their a ssociated complications were assessed. Results: MRI is a noninvasive t echnique that is useful in the diagnosis and management of perirectal inflammatory disease, Conclusions: In patients with known fistulas, MR I may determine the lesion's anatomic extent, localize unsuspected fis tulas, and confirm or exclude the inflammation of the fistulous tract( s), Information obtained by MRI examination may, in turn, be used to d etermine treatment of patients with perirectal inflammatory lesions an d can be a useful adjunct in following results of therapy.