Magnetic resonance imaging template to standardize reporting of anal fistulas.

Anal fistula (AF) is a common referral to colorectal surgeons. Management remains challenging and sometimes controversial. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly performed in initial workup for AF. However, reports often lack key information for guiding treatment strategies. It has been shown that with structured radiology reports, there is less missing information. We present a structured MRI template report including 8 key descriptors of anal fistulas, whose effectiveness and acceptability are being assessed in a cross-sectional study (NCT04541238).

Ultrasonographic evaluation of anal endometriosis: report of four cases.

BACKGROUND: The presence of endometriosis in the anal canal and perianal tissues is rare and difficult to suspect at clinical examination. We report our experience with preoperative ultrasound evaluation of four cases of anal endometriosis. METHODS: Four patients were evaluated by transperineal and high-resolution three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography. RESULTS: In 3 of 4 women, the lesions involved old episiotomy scars. Anal endometriosis appeared as hypoechoic cystic lesions with areas of microcalcification, not well delimited and highly vascularized. The lesions either involved the anal sphincter (n = 2, one within the rectovaginal septum) or were localized superficially in the ischiorectal space (n = 2). Surgery and pathologic exam confirmed the ultrasonographic findings. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonographic findings of anal endometriosis are characteristics and may allow accurate preoperative staging of the disease.