Magnetic resonance elastography of uterine leiomyomas: A feasibility study

Elizabeth A. Stewart, F. Andrei Taran, Jun Chen, Bobbie S. Gostout, David A. Woodrum, Joel P. Felmlee, Richard L. Ehman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To determine the feasibility of performing in vivo magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) for uterine leiomyoma. Design: Pilot study. Setting: Academic medical center. Patient(s): Six subjects planning surgical excision of uterine leiomyomas. Intervention(s): MRE before planned surgery. Main Outcome Measure(s): Achieving an appropriate phase signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) in the leiomyoma to allow assessment of leiomyoma elasticity in kilopascals (kPa). Result(s): MRE was successful in all subjects for uteri ranging from 100 to >1,000 g. Subjects had body mass indexes ranging from 23.0 to 38.0 kg/m2. Appropriate PSNRs, ranging from 5.45 to 42.28, were achieved for leiomyomas in all subjects. Mean elasticity of uterine leiomyomas ranged from 3.95 to 6.68 kPa. Conclusion(s): MRE is a feasible technique for studying the in vivo mechanical properties of uterine leiomyomas and demonstrates significant heterogeneity in elasticity between lesions. Further work is necessary to optimize the technique and understand the clinical utility of this technique for women with uterine leiomyomas.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)281-284
Number of pages4
JournalFertility and sterility
Volume95
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2011

Keywords

  • Leiomyomas
  • adult
  • elasticity
  • elasticity imaging techniques/methods
  • feasibility studies
  • female
  • humans
  • magnetic resonance
  • uterus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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