Korean Journal of Radiology

The Korean Society of Radiology (대한영상의학회)
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Imaging of Anal Fistulas: Comparison of Computed Tomographic Fistulography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

  • Liang, Changhu (Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Shandong University) ;
  • Lu, Yongchao (Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University) ;
  • Zhao, Bin (Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Shandong University) ;
  • Du, Yinglin (Shandong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Institute) ;
  • Wang, Cuiyan (Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Shandong University) ;
  • Jiang, Wanli (Department of Radiology, Taishan Medical University)
  • Received : 2014.03.08
  • Accepted : 2014.09.13
  • Published : 2014.12.01
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Abstract

The primary importance of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in evaluating anal fistulas lies in its ability to demonstrate hidden areas of sepsis and secondary extensions in patients with fistula in ano. MR imaging is relatively expensive, so there are many healthcare systems worldwide where access to MR imaging remains restricted. Until recently, computed tomography (CT) has played a limited role in imaging fistula in ano, largely owing to its poor resolution of soft tissue. In this article, the different imaging features of the CT and MRI are compared to demonstrate the relative accuracy of CT fistulography for the preoperative assessment of fistula in ano. CT fistulography and MR imaging have their own advantages for preoperative evaluation of perianal fistula, and can be applied to complement one another when necessary.

Keywords

References

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