Staging of endometrial carcinomas with MRI using traditional and novel MRI techniques

Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynaecological malignancy in industrialized countries. This review discusses the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and novel MRI techniques (diffusion, perfusion, spectroscopy, blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD)-MRI, and MRI with new contrast agents) in endometrial carcinomas. Contrast-enhanced MRI is the imaging technique of choice, and diffusion-weighted MRI may help to identify malignant lesions and assess myometrial invasion. Novel MRI techniques may potentially increase diagnostic accuracy, enabling a refined, tailored surgical procedure and better prediction of treatment outcomes. (C) 2011 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.