Pelvis

Abstract

Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging is established as the investigation of choice for most neurological and musculoskeletal imaging. Its role in body imaging is less well established, but up-to-date machinery allows good quality, and reproducible images can be obtained from most parts of the body. In general, MR imaging of the pelvis is well-researched, presents few technical problems and is rapidly gaining acceptance as the technique of choice in many clinical situations, particularly in urological and gynecological oncology. The pelvis is sufficiently distant from the diaphragm that respiration artifact is minimal. Bowel peristalsis may be modified pharmacologically, and position-ing maneuvers and bladder filling can help remove the small bowel from the field of view. The major vessels in the pelvis rarely cause clinically distracting artifacts. Demonstration of disease within the pelvis depends on good quality images using sequences that are reliable and reproducible. Therefore, up-to-date instruments operating at high field strength (1.0-1.5 T) are ideally suited to pelvic imaging. Nevertheless, clinically adequate images can often be obtained with low field systems, usually by extending imaging times. With a cooperative patient, clinically useful images may be obtained with machines operating at a field strength as low as 0.2 T.