MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING TO AVOID LAPAROTOMY IN PREGNANCY

Objective: To determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in pr egnancy would help define a benign pelvic mass, thereby avoiding lapar otomy. Methods: During a 2-3-year period, five pregnant women with adn exal masses suspected to be leiomyomas underwent MRI. Results: Four pa tients had evidence of leiomyoma and one had a benign cystic teratoma. All avoided laparotomy because of the almost certain radiologic findi ngs of a benign process. In two women, there was an important effect o n the pregnancy; one had fetal growth retardation and the other an out let obstruction precluding vaginal delivery. Four of the patients unde rwent cesarean delivery.Conclusions: Magnetic resonance imaging can be used in the differential diagnosis of an adnexal mass in pregnancy. T his will enable some pregnant patients to avoid laparotomy and its con comitant risks.