When is a pelvic mri needed?

Certain situations: Most of the time an ultrasound can visualize the uterus and ovaries as well or better than an mri. Exceptions are if adenomyosis is suspected or if more details are needed on fibroids, especially for pre-operative planning of a myomectomy. An MRI cannot usually distinguish a benign fibroid from a malignant leiomyosarcoma.

For more details: After a complete history and physical as well as a diagnostic plan with your doctor, the first imaging test for most female pelvic complaints is a transabdominal and transvaginal pelvic ultrasound. Ultrasound is a very good test for many situations, including looking at the uterine lining and for ovarian cysts. If that test is not diagnostic, the next test would be a pelvic MRI with contrast.