Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Pelvic Floor

Abstract

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a widespread condition affecting up to 50% of elderly women. It markedly compromises the quality of life owing to various disabling symptoms such as pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, and urinary and fecal incontinence. Although age and female sex are the main risk factors, others include multiparity, obesity, and connective tissue disorders. Pelvic floor dysfunction is frequently multicompartmental, and failure to diagnose it accurately often leads to treatment failure. Dynamic pelvic floor magnetic resonance imaging is a robust tool that enables simultaneous visualization of the 3 pelvic floor compartments and is indispensable for precise preoperative evaluation.