Role of MRI and FIGO Staging in Evaluation of Fibroids - A Pictorial Review

Abstract

Uterine fibroids are the most common gynaecologic malignancy, but only 20% of women need treatment to relieve their symptoms. The management of fibroids has changed from open to laparoscopic hysterectomy, myomectomy and minimal invasive techniques such as uterine artery embolization and ablation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the best modality in the diagnosis, characterization and number of fibroids as well as for accessing extrauterine relationships, associated diseases; it also helps in planning, choosing and prognosis of treatment options. Traditionally, uterine fibroids were classified according to their location as submucosal, intramural or subserosal. However, for minimally invasive techniques, the relation of the fibroid with the endometrium, the degree of fibroid extension in the myometrium and the pedunculated nature of the fibroid are required before the procedure. The FIGO classification system was created to describe and classify fibroid locations in a systematic and consistent manner with suitable communication to the referring doctor. We are providing an array of clinical symptoms, MRI images, and surgical approaches on the basis of FIGO classification and associated important points to diagnosis and clinical implications.

FIGURE 1.

Sievers classification of BAV – figure adapted from (12). AP=anteroposterior; L=left coronary cusp; N=noncoronary cusp; R=right coronary cusp