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Perianal Fistula: An Overview

항문주위 샛길의 개요

  • Min Ju Kim (Department of Radiology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine)
  • 김민주 (고려대학교 의과대학 안암병원 영상의학과)
  • Received : 2023.02.19
  • Accepted : 2023.05.09
  • Published : 2023.05.01

Abstract

Perianal fistula is a common inflammatory condition in the general population and affects the area around the anal canal. Although most cases are benign, they cause serious morbidity and require surgical treatment due to a high risk of recurrence. MR imaging is a gold standard technique for the evaluation of perianal fistulas and provides accurate information on the anatomy of the anal canal, its relationship to the anal sphincter complex, accurate identification of secondary tracts or abscesses, and reporting associated complications. MR imaging can help monitor treatment effects and determine treatment methods. Crohn's disease-related fistulas often require medical rather than surgical treatment. The radiologist is required to know the anatomy and MR imaging findings of the perianal fistula to present an accurate diagnosis to the clinician.

항문주위 샛길은 일반 인구에서 매우 흔하고 항문관 주변 부위에 영향을 미치는 염증성 질환이다. 대부분 양성이지만 심각한 이환율을 유발하고 재발 위험이 높아 외과적 치료가 필요하다. 자기공명(MR) 영상은 항문관의 해부학적 구조, 항문조임근 복합체와의 관계, 2차 경로 또는 농양의 정확한 식별에 대한 정확한 정보를 제공하고 관련 합병증을 보고하는 항문주위 샛길 평가를 위한 최적 표준 기술로 간주된다. MR 영상은 또한 치료 효과를 모니터링하고 치료 방법을 결정하기 위한 정확한 정보를 제공할 수 있다. 크론병 관련 샛길은 종종 질병을 완화하기 위해 외과적 치료보다는 내과적 치료가 필요하다. 영상의학과 의사는 샛길의 해부학적 구조와 MR 영상 소견을 알아야 하고 임상의사에게 정확한 진단을 제시할 수 있어야 한다.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

I deeply appreciated Park Seong Ho (Park SH), Asan Medical Center, and Kim Minsung (Kim M), Seoul Song Do Colorectal Hospital, for helping to obtain representative MR cases. I have permission to use their valuable MR images. They also suggested much useful information to me about patients with perianal fistula.

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