Functional magnetic resonance imaging for clinical evaluation of uterine contractility

ABSTRACT Uterine contractility out of the gestational phase, during the menstrual cycle and the habitual functional variations of the organ, this is one of the responsible mechanisms for reproduction and fertility, due to its direct action in the mechanisms conducting the spermatozoa to the ovule and in the decidual implantation. Pathologies such as uterine leiomyoma, endometriosis, adenomyosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, as well as the use of intrauterine devices and oral contraceptives, may alter a functionality of uterine contractility. Thus, magnetic resonance imaging with ultrafast sequences provides a dynamic evaluation (cine-MRI) and thus the correlation of uterine contractility quality in patients with current infertility or pathologies.

Chest magnetic resonance imaging: a protocol suggestion

In the recent years, with the development of ultrafast sequences, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been established as a valuable diagnostic modality in body imaging. Because of improvements in speed and image quality, MRI is now ready for routine clinical use also in the study of pulmonary diseases. The main advantage of MRI of the lungs is its unique combination of morphological and functional assessment in a single imaging session. In this article, the authors review most technical aspects and suggest a protocol for performing chest MRI. The authors also describe the three major clinical indications for MRI of the lungs: staging of lung tumors; evaluation of pulmonary vascular diseases; and investigation of pulmonary abnormalities in patients who should not be exposed to radiation.