Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Groin Hernia

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors determine the feasibility of dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the diagnosis of groin hernia. METHODS: Ten volunteers and 10 patients with clinically evident and surgically proven herniations were evaluated using T1-, and T2-weighted sequences and two dynamic sequences. The visibility of anatomic structures that are crucial for the assessment and the differentiation of inguinofemoral herniations was evaluated. RESULTS: The inguinal rings could be identified in all subjects. The inferior epigastric vessels could be identified in 85%. In 10 patients, 11 hernias were found at MR imaging, whereas at surgery and physical examination 13 herniations were diagnosed (84.6%). The two hernias that were missed initially could be identified retrospectively on MR imaging. One volunteer showed a small bilateral inguinal hernia on MR imaging that could be confirmed on physical examination. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomic structures that are crucial for the assessment and the differentiation of inguinofemoral herniations can be identified prospectively with MR imaging.