Magnetic resonance imaging of peripartum rupture of the symphysis pubis.

BACKGROUND

Peripartum pubic symphyseal rupture is diagnosed on clinical grounds. Although the diagnosis may be supported by radiography, which shows diastasis of the pubic rami, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can visualize the nature of the soft tissue injury.

CASE

Two puerperas thought clinically to have pubic symphyseal rupture were imaged with MRI. In addition to diastasis of the pubic rami, clefts were seen within the symphyseal cartilage, extending the entire breadth of the joint. The clefts were filled with fluid or hemorrhage, seen in T1- and T2-weighted images. The fluid was encapsulated within the joint by the surrounding ligaments. Four control normal puerperas, who had vaginal deliveries but were asymptomatic, showed none of the aforementioned findings.

CONCLUSION

MRI can visualize the soft tissue injury seen in pubic symphyseal rupture and may be used to confirm the clinical diagnosis.