Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Maternal Diseases of the Abdomen and Pelvis in the Pregnant Patient

Abstract

The diagnosis of abdominal and pelvic diseases during pregnancy can be challenging. Ultrasonography has been the traditional first-line imaging tool in evaluation of the abdomen and pelvis in a pregnant patient. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become one of the most useful methods in management of pregnant women in recent years. It does not expose mother and fetus to ionizing radiation and provides cross-sectional images in any plane with high anatomic resolution even without intravenous contrast administration. The goals of this article are to discuss the role of MRI in the evaluation of maternal diseases involving the abdomen and pelvis and to review the MRI findings of these diseases.