Female pelvic floor: endovaginal MR imaging of normal anatomy.

PURPOSE

To demonstrate the anatomy of the female pelvic floor with endovaginal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten healthy nulliparous volunteers (age, 22-26 years) underwent MR imaging with an endovaginal coil. Findings on endovaginal MR images in the volunteers were correlated with findings on endovaginal MR images and cross-sectional anatomic slices obtained in three cadavers.

RESULTS

The endovaginal coil was well tolerated by all volunteers. Pelvic floor structures such as the pelvic diaphragm and the urogenital diaphragm were well depicted. Previously undescribed urethral supporting structures--the periurethral and paraurethral ligaments--were visualized. The zonal anatomy of the urethra was clearly visible. The endovaginal MR imaging findings in the volunteers correlated with the endovaginal MR findings and gross anatomy in the cadavers.

CONCLUSION

Endovaginal MR imaging clearly demonstrates the anatomy of the female pelvic floor and urethra.