Transient uterine contraction mimicking adenomyosis on MRI

Abstract

Transient myometrial contraction as a physiological phenomenon may simulate pathological conditions, such as a focal or diffuse adenomyosis. Clinicians should be aware of the potential presence of this phenomenon and imaging should be repeated after a suitable interval when the nature of a bulge or a region of low intensity in the myometrium is in doubt. In this paper, we report a transient myometrial contraction that mimics an adenomyosis, but disappears in repeated series.

Malignant uterine disease with concurrent myometrial contraction at MRI: a possible source of overstaging

“…Myometrial contractions are seen as a bulge of the myometrial wall usually along with a region of low T2 signal intensity in the myometrium. They are transient and tend to disappear on subsequent data acquisitions (9) , as observed in our case. In the setting of endometrial tumor, radiologists should be aware of this phenomenon to avoid over-diagnosis and over-staging by misdiagnosing uterine contraction with myometrial extension or invasion.…”

Magnetic Resonance Roadmap in Detecting and Staging Endometriosis: Usual and Unusual Localizations

“…This natural process may mimic the appearance of focal or diffuse adenomyosis. If there is uncertainty regarding the nature of a bulge or a region of low intensity in the myometrium, it becomes the responsibility of the radiologist to repeat the imaging after an appropriate interval, typically within 20 to 45 min [72,73] (Figure 10).…”

Imaging Spectrum of Benign Uterine Disease and Treatment Options

“…-Myometrial contractions: transient uterine contractions are hypointense T2W bands perpendicular to the JZ or focal thickening of the JZ and can mimic focal adenomyosis 85 .…”