Perfusion magnetic resonance imaging in Asherman syndrome

Background

Microvascular scarring compromises the functionality of the endometrium, and vascular flow at the junctional zone (JZ) may be the key to understanding poor reproductive outcomes in women with Asherman syndrome (AS).

Aims

To investigate whether vascular perfusion of the uterus, measured by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is impaired in women with intrauterine adhesions (IUA) and AS.

Materials and Methods

A prospective observational cohort pilot study of 23 women with IUA treated with hysteroscopic synecholysis and a control group of two patients with cervix cancer were subject to DCE-MRI with gadolinium to assess uterine vascularity. Twelve regions of interest (ROIs) were allocated on the DCE-MRI image incorporating the JZ, with control ROI placed at the psoas muscle. Individual ROIs were compared to the mean total perfusion (TP) in the same uterus. Pre- and post-operative perfusion analyses were performed on five women. Receiver operator curves (ROC) were used to analyse MRI as a predictor of IUA.

Results

There was no significant difference in perfusion; a trend toward reduced perfusion was observed in women with IUA compared to the controls. The ROC was predictive of higher-grade and inoperable IUA.

Conclusions

Reduced perfusion on DCE-MRI as assessed by ROC predicted higher-stage AS. The results of this study support further investigation of DCE-MRI as a prognostic tool for AS prior to surgical intervention to assist in providing prognostic guidance for women suffering from AS.