MRI for evaluation of perianal inflammation.

BACKGROUND: We describe the value of using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in six distinct clinical settings often encountered in cases of perirectal inflammatory disease.

METHODS: MRI was performed on six patients with known perianal inflammatory disease; the number, anatomic extent, location, and signal intensities of various lesions and their associated complications were assessed.

RESULTS: MRI is a noninvasive technique that is useful in the diagnosis and management of perirectal inflammatory disease.

CONCLUSIONS: In patients with known fistulas, MRI may determine the lesion's anatomic extent, localize unsuspected fistulas, and confirm or exclude the inflammation of the fistulous tract(s). Information obtained by MRI examination may, in turn, be used to determine treatment of patients with perirectal inflammatory lesions and can be a useful adjunct in following results of therapy.