Magnetic Resonance Signal Characteristics of the Cervix as Pregnancy Advances

• Published in: Reproductive sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) Calif.), 2007-07, Vol.14 (5), p.440-444
• Main Authors: Pates, Jason A., Yost, Nicole P., Oliver, Qian, McIntire, Donald D., Twickler, Diane M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Cervix Uteri - cytology; Cervix Uteri - physiology; Cohort Studies; Female; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Medical sciences; Pregnancy - physiology; Pregnancy Trimester, Second - physiology; Pregnancy Trimester, Third - physiology; Premature Birth - prevention & control; Prenatal Care - methods; Stromal Cells - cytology; Stromal Cells - physiology; Time Factors
• ISSN: 1933-7191; 1933-7205
• DOI: 10.1177/1933719107306225

The objective of this study is to describe magnetic resonance (MR) signal intensity (SI) changes in the cervix during pregnancy. This is an observational cohort study of women with a history of preterm delivery. MR imaging sequences were performed every 3 to 4 weeks. Using 8 regions of interest, the SIs are quantified and analyzed with respect to gestational age. Twenty-seven MR studies were performed on a cohort of 8 women. The SIs of the external os are significantly greater than those of the internal os ( P = .035). Similarly, the SIs of the outer stroma are greater than those of the inner stroma (P = .002). As gestational age advances, the inner to outer stromal SI ratio increases, primarily because of a decreasing SI in the outer stromal layer (P = .03). The MR SIs of the cervical stromal zones display variability during pregnancy and decrease with advancing gestation.