MRI for Endometriosis Diagnosis in Kathmandu
Advanced imaging to map the extent and location of deep infiltrating endometriosis.
What is MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed cross-sectional images of the pelvic organs. For endometriosis, MRI provides superior soft tissue contrast and can detect deep infiltrating endometriosis that may be missed on ultrasound.
Advantages of MRI
- ✓Superior soft tissue visualization
- ✓Excellent for deep infiltrating endometriosis
- ✓Can map disease extent for surgical planning
- ✓No radiation exposure
- ✓Detects endometriosis in difficult locations
What MRI Can Detect
Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis (DIE)
Lesions penetrating >5mm into organs. MRI is the best non-invasive method for detecting DIE affecting bowel, bladder, ureters, and rectovaginal septum.
Ovarian Endometriomas
Chocolate cysts appear as characteristic high-signal lesions on T1-weighted images. MRI can differentiate endometriomas from other ovarian cysts.
Adenomyosis
Endometrial tissue within uterine muscle. Often coexists with endometriosis. MRI is excellent for diagnosing adenomyosis.
Adhesions & Fibrosis
Scar tissue and organ adhesions from chronic endometriosis. Helps plan surgical approach.
The MRI Procedure
1. Preparation
Remove all metal objects (jewelry, watches, hairpins). Inform technician of any metal implants, pacemakers, or claustrophobia. May need to fast for 4 hours before scan.
2. Positioning
Lie flat on scanning table. May receive antispasmodic medication to reduce bowel movement. Coil placed over pelvis for better images.
3. Scanning
Table slides into MRI machine. Must remain still for 30-45 minutes. Machine makes loud knocking sounds (earplugs provided). Contrast dye may be injected for better visualization.
4. After the Scan
Can resume normal activities immediately. Results typically available within 24-48 hours. Radiologist interprets images and sends report to your doctor.
MRI vs Ultrasound
When to Choose MRI
- • Suspected deep infiltrating endometriosis
- • Pre-surgical mapping needed
- • Ultrasound inconclusive
- • Bowel or bladder involvement suspected
- • Complex cases requiring detailed imaging
When Ultrasound is Sufficient
- • Initial screening
- • Ovarian cyst evaluation
- • Cost considerations
- • Quick assessment needed
- • Follow-up of known endometriomas
Accuracy & Limitations
High Accuracy
- • Deep infiltrating endometriosis: 85-95% sensitivity
- • Ovarian endometriomas: 90-95% sensitivity
- • Adenomyosis: 85-90% sensitivity
- • Rectovaginal endometriosis: 80-90% sensitivity
⚠️ Limitations
- • Cannot detect superficial peritoneal lesions
- • More expensive than ultrasound
- • Takes longer (30-45 minutes)
- • Not suitable for patients with certain metal implants
- • May cause claustrophobia
- • Cannot definitively diagnose without biopsy
Cost in Kathmandu
Pelvic MRI costs in Kathmandu typically range from NPR 8,000 to NPR 15,000 depending on:
- • MRI machine strength (1.5T vs 3T)
- • Use of contrast dye
- • Hospital vs diagnostic center
- • Radiologist expertise
- • Additional sequences required
While more expensive than ultrasound, MRI provides crucial information for surgical planning and complex cases.
💡 When MRI is Essential
MRI is particularly valuable before surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis. It helps surgeons plan the procedure, identify all affected areas, and anticipate potential complications. This can lead to more complete disease removal and better outcomes.
Need MRI for Endometriosis?
Expert MRI imaging and interpretation in Kathmandu.