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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Indian J Radiol Imaging 2009; 19(03): 222-231
DOI: 10.4103/0971-3026.54887
Genito-Urinary Imaging

Radiological appearances of uterine fibroids

Sue Wilde
Department of Radiology, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7UY, United Kingdom
,
Sarah Scott-Barrett
Department of Radiology, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7UY, United Kingdom
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Abstract

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are the commonest uterine neoplasms. Although benign, they can be associated with significant morbidity and are the commonest indication for hysterectomy. They are often discovered incidentally when performing imaging for other reasons. Usually first identified with USG, they can be further characterized with MRI. They are usually easily recognizable, but degenerate fibroids can have unusual appearances. In this article, we describe the appearances of typical and atypical uterine fibroids, unusual fibroid variants and fibroid mimics on different imaging modalities. Knowledge of the different appearances of fibroids on imaging is important as it enables prompt diagnosis and thereby guides treatment.

Keywords

Uterus - leiomyoma - imaging - sonography - MRI


Publication History

Article published online:
02 August 2021

© 2009. Indian Radiological Association. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial-License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

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