Magnetic resonance imaging of the female pelvis after Cesarean section: a pictorial review

Stretching of the anterior fascial tape in women after a caesarean section

Introduction. The cesarean section rate in the 21st century has significantly increased compared to the previous century. Consequences related to the existence of a scar after a cesarean section may contribute to various discomforts in the abdominal, back, or pelvic regions. Aim of the study. The research hypothesis posited that the application of stretching therapy of the anterior fascial band has an impact on and is associated with the scar texture after a cesarean section. Study materials and methodology. Eight women, 3-4 months postpartum, with an average age of 27.5 ± 4.17 years, participated in the study. The MyotonPro device was utilized to assess the biomechanical properties of the tissue around the scar. The women performed stretching exercises for 2 months, twice a week. One session per week was supervised by the researcher, and during the other session, participants performed the assigned exercises independently. Measurements with the MyotonPro device were repeated after 8 weeks. Results. A strong and positive correlation was observed between: cs_2 and cs_1 r = 0.88, cs_2 and ls_1 r = 0.96, cs_2 and rs_1 r = 0.82, ls_2 and ls_1 r = 0.97, rs_2 and rs_1 r = 0.96. Conclusions. Engaging in stretching exercises has a positive impact on improving the texture of scar tissue.

Endometriosis MR mimickers: T2-hypointense lesions

Endometriosis is a common crippling disease in women of reproductive age. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the cornerstone radiological technique for both the diagnosis and management of endometriosis. While its sensitivity, especially in deep infiltrating endometriosis, is superior to that of ultrasonography, many sources of false-positive results exist, leading to a lack of specificity. Hypointense lesions or pseudo-lesions on T2-weighted images include anatomical variants, fibrous connective tissues, benign and malignant tumors, feces, surgical materials, and post treatment scars which may mimic deep pelvic infiltrating endometriosis. False positives can have a major impact on patient management, from diagnosis to medical or surgical treatment. This educational review aims to help the radiologist acknowledge MRI criteria, pitfalls, and the differential diagnosis of deep pelvic infiltrating endometriosis to reduce false-positive results. Critical relevance statement MRI in deep infiltrating endometriosis has a 23% false-positive rate, leading to misdiagnosis. T2-hypointense lesions primarily result from anatomical variations, fibrous connective tissue, benign and malignant tumors, feces, surgical material, and post-treatment scars. Key points • MRI in DIE has a 23% false-positive rate, leading to potential misdiagnosis.• Anatomical variations, fibrous connective tissues, neoplasms, and surgical alterations are the main sources of T2-hypointense mimickers.• Multisequence interpretation, morphologic assessment, and precise anatomic localization are crucial to prevent overdiagnosis.• Gadolinium injection is beneficial for assessing endometriosis differential diagnosis only in specific conditions.

Caesarean-section scar endometriosis (CSSE): clinical and imaging fundamentals of an underestimated entity

Caesarean-section scar endometriosis (CSSE) is a form of extra-pelvic endometriosis developing through endometrial cell implantation anywhere along the route of a previous caesarean section (CS) surgery, including the skin, subcutaneous tissue, abdominal wall muscles, intraperitoneally, and the uterine scar itself. Synchronous intra-abdominal endometriosis is not a prerequisite. Given the rising prevalence of CS, CSSE may be underrepresented in the literature and occur more frequently than previously thought. Locating a painful soft-tissue mass-like lesion along the path of a previous CS scar is the most indicative sign that should initially alarm physicians towards suggesting CSSE, especially if symptoms are typical (cyclically reoccurring with menstruation). The detection of hyperintense (haemorrhagic) foci on T1 fat-saturated sequences will strongly support the diagnosis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the most sensitive imaging method for CSSE assessment. A non-specific, contrast-enhancing, hypodense nodule with spiculate edges may be suggestive if the lesion was originally detected on computed tomography (CT). Although ultrasound is frequently the first imaging method used, the findings are non-specific; therefore, making it more useful for ruling out other differentials and for image-guided biopsy. In any case, histopathology provides the definitive diagnosis. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment; however, minimally invasive, percutaneous techniques have also been implemented successfully.

Anterior uterine incarceration complicated by placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum disorder: a case report

Background

Uterine incarceration is a rare obstetric complication that is always associated with retroversion and prone to misdiagnosis. Pelvic examination and imaging methods including ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used as the primary diagnostic tool. We present an asymptomatic anterior uterine incarceration complicated by placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder, which could be diagnosed during the pregnancy periods, but was first diagnosed during the cesarean section (CS) and got the surgeons into trouble.

Case Description

A 28-year-old woman, gravidity 4, parity 1, was hospitalized due to placenta previa and PAS disorder diagnosed by ultrasound and MRI at 35.6 weeks of gestation. She had not experienced any discomfort. Given her history of a previous CS, she underwent a well-prepared cesarean delivery for the termination of the pregnancy. The patient had a series of periodical ultrasound and MRI examinations in which placenta previa and placenta accreta were described in disregard of the abnormal location of cervix; consequently, interior uterine incarceration was first diagnosed during the surgery, which caused significant difficulties in the operation which lasted 3 hours and 21 minutes. The patient developed severe hemorrhaging and lost approximately 5,000 mL of blood. Fortunately, she delivered a health male infant weighing 3,440 grams with quite good Apgar scores. During the follow-up, maternal and child health was confirmed.

Conclusions

With regard to patients who have undergone previous pelvic surgery, doctors need to pay close attention to the position of the cervix, the pelvic adhesion situation during the prenatal examination, and be on alert for uterine incarceration. Uterine incarceration can be accurately recognized by periodic sonography and MRI if the radiologist is aware of this unusual condition. We do suggest that special are must be taken to avoid unnecessary trauma by misdiagnosis because of lack of awareness.