Value of MR in the Diagnosis of Rectovaginal Fistula

Objective To evaluate the Value of MR in the diagnosis of rectovaginal fistula.Methods 27 patients with rectovaginal fistula performed MRI before operation.MR images were analyzed retrospectively by two radiologists.Location and number of internal fistula opening,fistula were recorded.MRI findings were analyzed by comparing with the surgical and colonoscopy results.Results 22 patients performed surgery or colonoscopy,and found 21 internal fistula openings beside rectum,22 fistulas between rectum and vanigal.The accuracy of diagnosing internal fistula openings and fistula were 95.5%(21/22) and 100%(22/22).There was not significant difference between MRI findings and surgical or colonoscopy findings(t=1.508,P0.05).On MRIimaging,rectovaginal septal abscess were showed in 4 cases,anal fistula in 1case,rectovaginal septal abscess and anal fistula in 1 case,sphincter and perineum deep transverse muscle injury in 2 cases.Conclusion MRI is a sensitive method to diagnose the rectovaginal fistula,which provides anatomic and pathologic information necessary for surgical management.