Liver T2-weighted MR imaging: assessment of a three-dimensional fast spin-echo with extended echo train acquisition sequence at 1.5 Tesla.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively compare image quality and lesion detectability with two T2-weighted sequences at 1.5 Tesla (T): respiratory-triggered three-dimensional fat sat fast-spin-echo with extended echo-train acquisition (3D FSE-XETA) and respiratory-triggered two-dimensional fat-sat fast recovery fast-spin-echo (2D FRFSE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR was performed at 1.5T in 53 consecutive patients. Two radiologists blinded to the sequence details reviewed the studies to determine: (i) signal and contrast to noise ratios, (ii) overall image quality, (iii) sensitivity for focal lesion detection. RESULTS: Image assessment scores for the 2D FRFSE sequence were significantly higher than those for the 3D FSE-XETA sequence for overall image quality (P < 0.01) and artifacts (P < 0.001). Sensitivity for liver lesion detection was higher with the 3D FSE-XETA sequence (69.3% versus 57.3%; P < 0.05) compared with the 2D FRFSE sequence. The 3D FSE-XETA sequence improves the reader confidence score (P < 0.01) for liver lesions detection. Inter-observer correlation was higher with the 3D FSE-XETA sequence. CONCLUSION: For T2-weighted liver imaging at 1.5T, the 3D FSE-XETA sequence improves sensitivity, reader confidence score and interobserver correlation for focal liver lesion detection, but it suffers from a lower overall image quality and higher artifacts.

Combined conservative surgical and medical treatment of a uterocutaneous fistula.

Uterocutaneous fistula is a rare complication that may follow cesarean section. Herein is described a rare case of uterocutaneous fistula. The patient, a 28-year-old woman with a history of American Society for Reproductive Medicine stage IV endometriosis (Douglas pouch obliteration), underwent a cesarean section at 25 weeks of gestation (twin pregnancy). Postoperatively, the patient returned to the emergency service because of the appearance of pus through the cesarean section abdominal scar, and was treated for a subcutaneous abscess. Because drainage continued, the presence of a uterocutaneous fistula was suspected. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed this diagnosis. Hysteroscopy clearly revealed the uterine neck of the fistula tract. Leuprolide acetate (gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist) deposit suspension was administered subcutaneously monthly for 6 months. Surgery via laparoscopy and laparotomy was performed. This combined medical and conservative surgical treatment was successful. At 6-month follow-up, hysteroscopy revealed a normal uterine cavity. We conclude that magnetic resonance imaging and hysteroscopy are helpful in diagnosis of uterocutaneous fistula. Conservative surgical treatment associated with medical therapy can be an efficient procedure in women who desire subsequent pregnancies.