查看文章

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with a quadrature phased-array coil for the detection of anal fistulas and to evaluate the additional clinical value of preoperative MR imaging, as compared with surgery alone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six patients with anal fistulas underwent high-spatial-resolution MR imaging. Twenty-four had a primary fistula; 17, a recurrent fistula; and 15, a fistula associated with Crohn disease. MR imaging findings were withheld from the surgeon until surgery ended and verified, and surgery continued when required.

RESULTS: MR imaging provided important additional information in 12 (21%) of 56 patients. In patients with Crohn disease, the benefit was 40% (six of 15); in patients with recurrent fistulas, 24% (four of 17); and in patients with primary fistulas, 8% (two of 24). The difference between patients with or without Crohn disease …