Case Control Study
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World J Radiol. May 28, 2014; 6(5): 203-209
Published online May 28, 2014. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v6.i5.203
Comparison of different magnetic resonance imaging sequences for assessment of fistula-in-ano
Michael R Torkzad, Håkan Ahlström, Urban Karlbom
Michael R Torkzad, 12 Reris Grange Close, Milford, Surrey, GU8 5FD, United Kingdom
Michael R Torkzad, Håkan Ahlström, Section of Radiology Section, Department of Radiology, Oncology and Radiation Science, Uppsala University, SE 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
Urban Karlbom, Department of Surgery, Uppsala University Hospital, SE 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
Author contributions: Torkzad MR and Karlbom U collected the data; all authors analyzed and interpreted the data; Torkzad MR originally drafted the manuscript; Ahlström H and Karlbom U revised the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Michael R Torkzad, MD, PhD, Section of Radiology Section, Department of Radiology, Oncology and Radiation Science, Uppsala University, SE 75185, Uppsala, Sweden. michael.torkzad@gmail.com
Telephone: +46-73-9944262 Fax: +46-18-557279
Received: November 17, 2013
Revised: January 27, 2014
Accepted: April 17, 2014
Published online: May 28, 2014
Processing time: 191 Days and 23.4 Hours
Abstract

AIM: To assess agreement between different forms of T2 weighted imaging (T2WI), and post-contrast T1WI in the depiction of fistula tracts, inflammation, and internal openings with that of a reference test.

METHODS: Thirty-nine consecutive prospective cases were enrolled. The following sequences were used for T2WI: 2D turbo-spin-echo (2D T2 TSE); 3D T2 TSE; short tau inversion recovery (STIR); 2D T2 TSE with fat saturation performed in all patients. T1WI were either a 3D T1-weighted prepared gradient echo sequence with fat saturation or a 2D T1 fat saturation [Spectral presaturation with inversion (SPIR)]. Agreement for each sequence for determination of fistula extension, internal openings, and the presence of active inflammation was assessed separately and blindly against a reference test comprised of follow-up, surgery, endoscopic ultrasound, and assessment by an independent experienced radiologist with access to all images.

RESULTS: Fifty-six fistula tracts were found: 2 inter-sphincteric, 13 trans-sphincteric, and 24 with additional tracts. The best T2 weighted sequence for depiction of fistula tracts was 2D T2 TSE (Cohen’s kappa = 1.0), followed by 3D T2 TSE (0.88), T2 with fat saturation (0.54), and STIR (0.19). Internal openings were best seen on 2D T2 TSE (Cohen’s kappa = 0.88), followed by 3D T2 TSE (0.70), T2 with fat saturation (0.54), and STIR (0.31). Detection of inflammation showed Cohen’s kappa of 0.88 with 2D T2 TSE, 0.62 with 3D T2 TSE, 0.63 with STIR, and 0.54 with T2 with fat saturation. STIR, 3D T2 TSE, and T2 with fat saturation did not make any contributions compared to 2D T2 TSE. Post-contrast 3D T1 weighted prepared gradient echo sequence with fat saturation showed better agreement in the depiction of fistulae (Cohen’s kappa = 0.94), finding internal openings (Cohen’s kappa = 0.97), and evaluating inflammation (Cohen’s kappa = 0.94) compared to post-contrast 2D T1 fat saturation or SPIR where the corresponding figures were 0.71, 0.66, and 0.87, respectively. Comparing the best T1 and T2 sequences showed that, for best results, both sequences were necessary.

CONCLUSION: 3D T1 weighted sequences were best for the depiction of internal openings and active inflammatory components, while 2D T2 TSE provided the best assessment of fistula extension.

Keywords: Fistula; Magnetic resonance imaging; Diagnosis

Core tip: Both T1 (post-contrast) and T2 weighted sequences are needed for the best assessment of fistula-in-ano; T2 weighted imaging: 2D turbo-spin-echo (2D T2 TSE) is most useful for depiction in relation to sphincter muscles. 3D T2 TSE cannot replace 2D T2 TSE. Post-contrast 3D T1 weighted prepared gradient echo sequence with fat saturation is necessary for the depiction of internal openings and inflammation activity; short tau inversion recovery and fat saturated T2 sequences should be omitted from protocols.