Can magnetic resonance imaging predict the success of parturition in oxytocin-induced pregnant women?

The aim of this study was to assess whether magnetic resonance imaging coul d predict the outcome attempted vaginal delivery in a group of pregnant wom en whose parturition had to be induced oxytocin. The signal intensity and m orphology alterations in the cervix of 21 full-term pregnant women were ana lyzed before the induction of parturition. T2-weighted gradient echo sequen ces were utilized and signal intensity in the cervix was measured from the anterior and posterior lips of the cervix, An dex indicating the brightness range of the cervix was formulated to overcome the effects of the individu al intensity changes. Imaging features including the signal intensity and t he evidence of effacement were correlated with the actual type of delivery performed. Images were also assessed visually by two independent radiologis ts. Statistical analysis of brightness indexes that were considered to have a predictive value as an indicator for possible delivery was not significa nt. However, visually assessed signal intensity of the cervix correlated st rongly with the type Hf delivery. Effacement itself was the most reliable p arameter in predicting the progress of the delivery. In conclusion, MR imag ing seems to be useful for dieting normal parturition in full-term pregnant women who need oxytocin induction. However, the presence of effacement see ms to be a more reliable and practical parameter that will be preferred in that prediction.