The utility of MRI for the surgical treatment of women with uterine fibroid tumors.

Determination of the reasonable treatment options and the appropriate clinical treatment of women with uterine fibroid tumors often depends on the ability of imaging modalities to accurately detect and localize fibroid tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gives the most complete evaluation (sizes, positions, number) of submucous, intramural, and subserosal myomas and is the most sensitive modality for the detection of small fibroid tumors. MRI allows the evaluation of fibroid tumor proximity to the bladder, rectum, and endometrial cavity, helps define what can be expected at surgery, and may help the gynecologist avoid missing fibroid tumors during surgery. MRI can also make the diagnosis of adenomyosis reliably and may be able to identify uterine sarcoma when present.