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The role of cine MR imaging in the assessment of uterine function

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Abstract

Purpose

To review the literature on uterine contraction and to highlight magnetic resonance imaging using the cine technique as a useful method to evaluate these movements.

Methods

The literature research on PubMed database was done up to February 2019 with restriction to English language about articles regarding uterine peristalsis and cine MR.

Results

Infertility is a common clinical problem and a source of frustration for those who want to have children. Uterine movements are crucial elements in respect of successful conception, implantation, and the development of a healthy pregnancy. It is known that the direction and frequency of uterine peristalsis are closely related to the different phases of the menstrual cycle, and that changes in its activity may interfere with reproduction. One condition that has been linked with infertility by several studies is dysfunctional uterine contractility. Magnetic resonance imaging, using the cine technique, has been shown to be a useful tool in the evaluation of these movements, allowing the identification of patients with some type of dysfunction and establish strategies to increase pregnancy rates.

Conclusion

Cine MR is an excellent imaging method for the evaluation of uterine peristalsis and identification of dysfunctional contractions.

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Funding

No funding was received for the preparation of this review.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiology Department, Clinic of Imaging Diagnosis (CDPI)/DASA, Avenida das Américas, 4666, sala 301B, Centro Médico Barra Shopping, Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22640-102, Brazil

    Deborah Monteiro Soares, Heron Werner Junior, Leonardo Kayat Bittencourt & Flavia Paiva Proença Lobo Lopes

  2. Radiology Department, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av Marques Do Paraná, 303, Centro, Niterói, RJ, 24020-071, Brazil

    Leonardo Kayat Bittencourt

  3. Radiology Department, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rua Rodolpho Paulo Rocco, 255, Cidade Universitária, Ilha Do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-913, Brazil

    Flavia Paiva Proença Lobo Lopes

  4. Department of Gynecology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Boulevard 28 de Setembro, 77, Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20551-030, Brazil

    Marco Aurelio Pinho de Oliveira

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  1. Deborah Monteiro Soares
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DMS data collection, manuscript writing. HWJ, LKB and FPPLL manuscript editing. MAPO project development, data collection, manuscript editing.

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Correspondence to Deborah Monteiro Soares.

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Soares, D.M., Junior, H.W., Bittencourt, L.K. et al. The role of cine MR imaging in the assessment of uterine function. Arch Gynecol Obstet 300, 545–553 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-019-05222-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-019-05222-9

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