DIAGNOSIS OF ANORECTAL FISTULAS USING MAG NETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING

In 17 patients with anorectal fistulae the pelvis was examined by magn etic resonance imaging (MRI). The extent and the course of the fistula e and abscesses could be visualized by proton-density- and T2-weighted images. In 6 of 17 patients fistulae were seen that could not be dete cted by clinical investigation. In 2 cases additional pelvirectal absc esses were found. Most of the fistulae (5 of 6) had a complicated high suprasphincteric or rectovaginal course. It is concluded that with MR I anorectal fistulae and abscesses can be visualized and that this met hod is a worthful additional diagnostic tool in patients with complica ted fistula-in-ano.