Functional Mri of the Uterus with Quantitative T2, Diffusion-weighted, and Magnetization-transfer Contrast Imaging

Introduction: Current pelvic MRI protocols rely predominantly on anatomic sequences for evaluation of the uterus. Functional MR sequences may provide imaging biomarkers with added value for the detection, characterization, and follow-up of treatment response of benign and malignant uterine pathology. Examples of functional MR parameters that have been explored within the uterus in separate studies, although not collectively within the same cohort, include the T2 relaxation time, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) of the uterus. Optimal application of these functional MR techniques in the diseased state requires an understanding of their behavior in the normal uterus. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the T2 value, ADC value, and MTR in the three anatomic zones of the uterus as well as the correlation between these parameters.