Imaging of the Vagina: Spectrum of Disease with Emphasis on MRI Appearance

Evaluating primary amenorrhea in the primary care setting

ABSTRACT

Primary amenorrhea is the absence of menarche by age 15 years. Though not as common as secondary amenorrhea, primary care providers must know how to assess primary amenorrhea. Evaluation includes a thorough health history, physical exam, lab evaluation, and, in some cases, imaging. Primary amenorrhea has three broad causes: genetic, hormonal, and anatomic.

Mullerian anomalies: revisiting imaging and classification

Mullerian duct anomalies (MDA) are a group of uncommon but treatable causes of infertility and pregnancy complications. This review describes the embryology, American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) classification 2021, and corresponding imaging features of MDA. The three phases of embryological development of Mullerian duct structures are described. The main emphasis is on the ASRM 2021 classification of MDA into nine descriptive categories, while the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology and the European Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (ESHRE/ESGE) classification is also briefly described where necessary. MRI imaging features of MDA along with the acquisition techniques are discussed in detail, as MRI is the ideal imaging modality for MDA diagnosis. In addition, the current role of imaging modalities such as hysterosalpingography and ultrasound including 3D transvaginal ultrasound is also elucidated. The review aims to revisit the MRI imaging features of Mullerian anomalies and reiterates that an accurate description of each anomaly and precise communication with clinicians is the priority rather than rigidly fitting the anomaly into one particular category. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The ASRM 2021 classification of Mullerian anomalies has re-defined the criteria for an arcuate uterus. Radiologists must know of the new classification and imaging features and try to describe each anomaly accurately rather than forcefully fitting an anomaly into a definite category. KEY POINTS: MDA has an important role in infertility and pregnancy complications. Knowledge of imaging features helps radiologists aid patient management; MRI is the preferred imaging modality for MDAs. An accurate MRI-based description of Mullerian anomalies is crucial, avoiding the pitfalls of rigid categorization.

MR imaging of benign vulvar lesions: a pictorial essay

Benign vulvar lesions can be difficult to differentiate with few publications on their imaging appearances. While many vulvar lesions may be clinically diagnosed and treated, more are being detected incidentally with the increasing prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis. In addition, clinicians may find imaging of benign vulvar lesions helpful for greater anatomical correlation. After reviewing the important MRI sequences for vulvar imaging and the anatomy of the vulva on MRI, this pictorial essay illustrates variety of cystic and solid benign vulvar lesions to familiarize radiologists with their common MRI appearances. Other miscellaneous pelvic lesions that can affect the vulva are also described.

Extracellular gadolinium-based contrast agents

Extracellular gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) are commonly used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) because they increase the detection of alterations, improve tissue characterisation and enable a more precise differential diagnosis. GBCAs are considered to be safe but they are not risk-free. When using GBCAs, it is important to be aware of the risks and to know how to react in different situations (pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney failure) including if complications occur (extravasations, adverse, allergic or anaphylactic reactions). The article describes the characteristics of the gadolinium molecule, the differences in the biochemical structure of these GBCA, their biodistribution and the effect on the MRI signal. It also reviews safety aspects and the most common clinical applications.

Update on Pathologic Conditions, Imaging Findings, Prevention, and Management of Human Papillomavirus-related Neoplasms

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection that proliferates in the squamous epithelium and is the most common source of viral-related neoplasms. Low-risk subtypes (HPV-6 and -11) cause respiratory papillomas (laryngeal, tracheal, and bronchial) and condyloma acuminata of the penis, anus, and perineal region (anogenital warts). High-risk subtypes (HPV-16, -18, -31, and -33) are responsible for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) that involves the tongue base, tonsils, posterior pharyngeal wall, and larynx and malignancies of the anogenital region (cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, and anal canal). Recent studies have increasingly shown a favorable treatment response and substantial differences in the overall prognosis associated with HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers. Given this fact, oropharyngeal, cervical, and penile SCCs are classified as HPV-associated and HPV-independent cancers in the current World Health Organization classification. Imaging is essential in the early detection, diagnosis, and staging of HPV-associated cancers. Imaging also helps assess treatment response and postoperative complications and is used for long-term surveillance. HPV-associated oropharyngeal SCCs have well-defined borders and solid and cystic nodal metastases at imaging. Updated screening and vaccination guidelines are currently available that have great potential to decrease the overall disease burden and help control this worldwide public health concern. Novel therapeutic strategies, such as immunotherapies, are being explored, and imaging biomarkers that can predict treatment response and prognosis are being investigated; radiologists play a pivotal role in these efforts. ©RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of Wolffian Duct Anomalies - OHVIRA and OSVIRA

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome in females, also known as obstructed haemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA), and Zinner's syndrome, also known as OSVIRA in males, are two rare congenital syndromes affecting the urogenital tract. OHVIRA is obstructed haemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis and OSVIRA abbreviation stands for obstructed seminal vesicle and ipsilateral renal agenesis. For a long, these syndromes were considered different entities, owing to our poor understanding of underlying embryopathogenesis; however, in light of the recent acceptance of the Wolffian origin of the vagina in its entirety, these two syndromes are considered to be cut from the same cloth. In this case series, we present magnetic resonance imaging features of two cases each of OHVIRA and OSVIRA and discuss the similarities in embryopathogenesis behind them while debunking the old concepts. A deep understanding of embryopathogenesis allows a clinician and radiologist to predict the disease manifestation, and its outcome and also acts as a guide to screen for potential subtle defects, which would otherwise have been missed.

Imaging the post-treatment pelvis with gynecologic cancers

Gynecological malignancies, such as ovarian cancers, cervical cancers, and endometrial cancers, have a significant global impact. Women with gynecologic malignancies may receive a single or a combination of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation-based therapies. Radiologists utilize various diagnostic imaging modalities to provide the surgeon with relevant information about the diagnosis, prognosis, optimal surgical strategy, and prospective post-treatment imaging. Computerized Tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used initially to evaluate and detect post-treatment complications. Although CT is primarily used for staging, MRI is commonly used for a more accurate evaluation of a tumor's size and detection of local invasion. Complications such as hematoma, abscess, inclusion cyst, seroma, tumor thrombosis, anorectovaginal fistula, and gossypiboma may occur after the three primary treatments, and systems such as the genitourinary, gastrointestinal, neurological, and musculoskeletal may be affected. In order to distinguish between early-onset and late-onset complications following gynecological treatment, radiological findings of the most common post-treatment complications will be presented in this review.

Primary Vaginal Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of Intestinal Type-Clinical, Radiological and Morphological Aspects

Background and Objectives: Neoplasms of the vagina are rare and account for 1-2% of all tumors of the female reproductive system. Primary neoplasms of the vagina are most often carcinomas originating from squamous or glandular epithelium. Of the primary glandular tumors, clear cell, endometrioid, and serous adenocarcinomas are the most common types, while mucinous and mesonephric types are very rare. Mucinous adenocarcinoma is histologically subclassified into endocervical and intestinal types. We add to the existing literature another case of an extremely rare gynecological neoplasm-primary vaginal mucinous adenocarcinoma (PVMAC) intestinal type associated with vaginal villous adenoma with high-grade dysplasia. We discuss the clinical, radiological and morphological features of this rare entity. Materials and Methods: We report a case of a 59-year-old woman with PVMAC intestinal type associated with vaginal villous adenoma with high-grade dysplasia. The patient was evaluated with a gynecological exam, and biopsy, curettage and tumor excision were performed. The positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) scan, at the level of the pelvis, supported the primary location of the disease. Histological and immunohistochemical methods were applied. Results: The gynecological examination of the vagina revealed an exophytic polypoid mass with a diameter of 3 cm, located on the posterior wall, in the area of introitus vaginae. The PET/CT scan revealed a hypermetabolic malignant formation involving the vagina and anal canal, without evidence of pelvic and inguinal lymphadenopathy, and also, it excluded disease at sites other than the vagina. The histological and immunohistochemical investigations, as well as the clinical and radiological data, lent support to the diagnosis "primary vaginal mucinous adenocarcinoma intestinal type". Conclusions: PVMAC intestinal type is a rare gynecological pathology, which presents a serious challenge for oncogynecologists, radiologists and pathologists.

Multimodality imaging of diseases of the vagina

Pathologies of the vagina are important causes of symptoms related to the genital tract in women. They can be missed on transabdominal ultrasonography (USG), which is the baseline modality used for evaluation of gynaecological complaints. Transperineal USG and MRI are the imaging modalities of choice for evaluation of the vagina. Diseases of the vagina can be grouped depending upon the age group in which they occur. In children and young adults, congenital anomalies like longitudinal or transverse vaginal septum, imperforate hymen, vaginal aplasia or atresia, and rectovaginal fistula can be seen. Malignant tumours can rarely occur in children, rhabdomyosarcoma being the most common one. Common diseases affecting adults include benign lesions like epidermoid, Gartner duct, and Bartholin cysts, and urogenital fistulas involving the vagina. Endometriosis and other benign tumours of vagina including leiomyoma, fibroepithelial polyp, and angiomyxoma are occasionally seen. Malignant tumours can be primary, the most common one being squamous cell carcinoma, or secondary, due to direct extension from cancers involving the adjacent organs. Characteristic morphological changes occur in the vagina after radiotherapy, which can be identified on imaging. Knowledge about the imaging appearances of these diseases is crucial in guiding appropriate management.

Endometriosis MR mimickers: T1-hyperintense lesions

Endometriosis is a chronic and disabling gynecological disease that affects women of reproductive age. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the cornerstone radiological technique for both the diagnosis and management of endometriosis. While MRI offers higher sensitivity compared to ultrasonography, it is prone to false-positive results, leading to decreased specificity. False-positive findings can arise from various T1-hyperintense conditions on fat-suppressed T1-weighted images, resembling endometriotic cystic lesions in different anatomical compartments. These conditions include hemorrhage, hyperproteic content, MRI artifacts, feces, or melanin. Such false positives can have significant implications for patient care, ranging from incorrect diagnoses to unnecessary medical or surgical interventions and subsequent follow-up. To address these challenges, this educational review aims to provide radiologists with comprehensive knowledge about MRI criteria, potential pitfalls, and differential diagnoses, ultimately reducing false-positive results related to T1-hyperintense abnormalities.Critical relevance statementMRI has a 10% false-positive rate, leading to misdiagnosis. T1-hyperintense lesions, observed in the three phenotypes of pelvic endometriosis, can also be seen in various other causes, mainly caused by hemorrhages, high protein concentrations, and artifacts.Key points• MRI in endometriosis has a 10% false-positive rate, leading to potential misdiagnosis.• Pelvic endometriosis lesions can exhibit T1-hyperintensity across their three phenotypes.• A definitive diagnosis of a T1-hyperintense endometriotic lesion is crucial for patient management.• Hemorrhages, high protein concentrations, lipids, and artifacts are the main sources of T1-hyperintense mimickers.

An unusual case report of transverse vaginal septum presenting as primary amenorrhea

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Outflow tract disorders are uncommon causes of primary amenorrhea. Transverse vaginal septum (TVS) is a rare cause of outflow tract obstruction.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 15-year-old female presented to us with severe abdominal pain. Abdominal examination revealed a boggy mass in the suprapubic region. The diagnosis was made following a history of primary amenorrhea, lower abdominal pain, and pelvic examination which revealed a vaginal septum. She had surgical resection of the vaginal septum and a mold was left in situ to keep the vagina patent during the healing process. The procedure was uneventful and she was able to achieve menstrual flow following surgery, septoplasty being performed after three months.

DISCUSSION

Transverse vaginal septum is an unusual cause of primary amenorrhea. These lesions, albeit rare, usually have a typical presentation and are amenable to surgical management.

CONCLUSION

Although transverse vaginal septum is a rare diagnosis in our practice, it is important to establish early diagnosis and carry out proper management so as to preserve normal physiology and fertility as well as to prevent complications.

Imaging of Vaginal and Vulvar Malignancy

Vaginal and vulvar malignancies are rare gynecologic malignancies but can be associated with high morbidity and mortality if undiagnosed and untreated. Advanced imaging modalities such as MRI enable assessment of the local extent of disease and evaluation for regional or distant spread. Accurate identification and description of the primary lesion and sites of involvement as well as detection and localization of suspicious lymph nodes are critical in guiding appropriate management. Additionally, radiologists should be aware of potential mimickers on imaging and the differential diagnoses for vaginal and vulvar lesions.