Value of MR imaging in the diagnosis of benign uterine conditions

Benign diseases of the uterus can be evaluated by ultrasound, magnetic reso nance imaging (MRI), hysterography, hysterosonography and hysteroscopy. The purpose of this review of the literature is to discuss the role of MRI amo ng the different imaging modalities for the diagnosis of mullerian abnormal ities of the uterus, endometrial disease, fibroids and adenomyosis. Particu lar attention is brought to comparative multi-modality studies. The MRI tec hnique, indication and diagnostic criteria for various pathological conditi ons of the uterus are described. The use of MRI appears to be cost-effectiv e in the diagnosis of complex mullerian abnormalities, endometrial thickeni ng following treatment by tamoxifen, selection of candidates for selective myomectomy and the follow-up of medically treated adenomyosis.