ROLE OF MRI IN THE EVALUATION OF AMBIGUOUS GENITALIA

Diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interpretation was assessed prospectively in patients with ambiguous genitalia or in tersex problems. MRI depiction of the uterus was possible in 93 %, the vagina in 95 %, the penis in 100 %, the testis in 88 %, and the ovary in 74 % of patients. The strength of MRI lies in the multiplanar capa bility and tissue characterization by means of T1- and T2-weighted seq uences. MRI contributes to accurate morphologic evaluation of mulleria n duct structures, the gonads, and the development of the phallus, all of which are essential for appropriate gender assignment and planning of surgical reconstruction.