Magnetic resonance imaging to avoid laparotomy in pregnancy.

Abstract

To determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in pregnancy would help define a benign pelvic mass, thereby avoiding laparotomy. During a 2-3-year period, five pregnant women with adnexal masses suspected to be leiomyomas underwent MRI. Four patients had evidence of leiomyoma and one had a benign cystic teratoma. All avoided laparotomy because of the almost certain radiologic findings of a benign process. In two women, there was an important effect on the pregnancy; one had fetal growth retardation and the other an outlet obstruction precluding vaginal delivery. Four of the patients underwent cesarean delivery. Magnetic resonance imaging can be used in the differential diagnosis of an adnexal mass in pregnancy. This will enable some pregnant patients to avoid laparotomy and its concomitant risks.