Microcirculatory changes in the uterus of women during the menstrual cycle - based on intravoxel incoherent motion MRI

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of intravoxel incoherent motion MRI on detecting the microcirculatory changes in the uterus of women during the menstrual cycle. Methods: Volunteers underwent MRI scans by using IVIM. The changes of D value, D* and f value of three layers of uterine structure during menstrual cycle were analyzed quantitatively. Results: During menstrual cycle, the D values of junctional zone were significantly lower than in myometrium. Meanwhile, the f values of the three zones structure of uterus were significantly different. Conclusion: IVIM can be used for noninvasive and quantitative evaluation of uterine blood microcirculation changes.