Application value of multi-parameter MRI in the diagnosis of anal fistula

ObjectiveTo investigate the value of different MRI sequences in the diagnosis of anal fistula.

MethodsThe clinical data of 43 patients with anal fistula confirmed by surgery and pathology were retrospectively analyzed.The MRI examination in all patients were implemented before surgery.Using the surgical pathological results as the gold standard, the signs and diagnostic value of three different MRI sequences in anal fistula were compared and analyzed.

ResultsIn the diagnosis of main fistula(including abscess), the accuracy of T2WI, T2WI-FS and T1WI-FS was 96.7%, 95.1% and 96.7%, respectively, and the differences of which were not statistically significant(P>0.05).In the diagnosis of anal fistula, the accuracy of T2WI and T1WI-FS enhanced sequences was 98.0% and 86.3%, respectively, and the differences of which were statistically significant(P < 0.05).In the diagnosis of secondary/branch/small fistula, the accuracy of T2WI and T2WI-FS was 76.7%, and the T1WI-FS enhancement was 95.3%, and the differences of which were statistically significant(P < 0.01).In addition, there was no statistical significance in the articulation score of three scanning sequences in the internal anal fistula and fistula(P>0.05).

ConclusionsThe MRI can clearly show the main signs of anal fistula.The T2WI and T1WI-FS enhanced sequences are better for the overall anatomical structure of the lesion, and the T1WI-FS enhanced sequences can display the more subtle lesions.