MRI for suspected perianal fistula

[Ebru]

I get an MRI because of a suspected perianal fistula, and I wonder if it also shows whetether the tracks goes to the vagina or not. Does anyone know?
:soledance:

 

[cmack]

I think it will show up if it's there, Ebru. All my MRI's had very detailed imaging. I'm wishing the best for you.

 

[Ebru]

I think it will show up if it's there, Ebru. All my MRI's had very detailed imaging. I'm wishing the best for you.

Thank you for your answer. Can you tell me more about the procedure? Is contrast truly neccesary? How does such a thing even work, getting MRI for perianal fistulea?

The hospital invitation paper stated it will be a lower abdomen MRI, it's not clear whetether they will use contrast, and I am not allowed to eat 2 hours prior to the MRI.

 

[DCCrohns]

Thank you for your answer. Can you tell me more about the procedure? Is contrast truly neccesary? How does such a thing even work, getting MRI for perianal fistulea?

The hospital invitation paper stated it will be a lower abdomen MRI, it's not clear whetether they will use contrast, and I am not allowed to eat 2 hours prior to the MRI.

They should do contrast and, if it is for a RVF, they may also use a water-based gel vaginally to aid in the visibility/results (I have had several before but my last one was the first I had with the gel).

Best of luck!

 

[cmack]

I agree. I had contrast. Don't worry it's not a big deal, my contrast was like a milkshake. Then you just go in a tube that makes odd sounding clanging noises. There is a way to speak to the operator from inside via microphone in case you need to speak with them. I wish you the best, Ebru.

 

[DCCrohns]

I agree. I had contrast. Don't worry it's not a big deal, my contrast was like a milkshake. Then you just go in a tube that makes odd sounding clanging noises. There is a way to speak to the operator from inside via microphone in case you need to speak with them. I wish you the best, Ebru.

For lower abdominal I had, the contrast was via IV (perhaps you had an upper GI series, cmack?). I'll take an IV over that chalky liquid any day!

 

[cmack]

I was getting needles too so there may have been something that way. Time does not serve memory well...

 

[lgpcarter]

Yes, get the contrast. It really helps them get better images. For me they have typically done scans first and then injected contrast and done more scans.

Hopefully they can see RVF - I understand they are tricky to find. My are all perianal.

 

[Ebru]

They have not used contrast. Btw, I discovered the air and discharge were not coming from my vagina but my urinary opening. Sorry if that's the wrong spelling but English is not my native language. I'm so scared they won't pick up on any fistula I may have. I will get the test results in two weeks.

And if they don't diagnose me with anything after this, well, then my GP needs to explain my urethal problems some day. Looking forward to it! The hospital where I am seems to fail with everything they do but it's the only one that is allowed by my insurance.

 

[cmack]

That sounds like a fistula connected to the urethra or possibly the bladder. Either way you have my support, Ebru. I really hope you can get relief soon. It sounds like the doctors are finally figuring things out, that's always a good thing. Best wishes.

 

[Ebru]

That sounds like a fistula connected to the urethra or possibly the bladder. Either way you have my support, Ebru. I really hope you can get relief soon. It sounds like the doctors are finally figuring things out, that's always a good thing. Best wishes.

Yes it does sound like it. There was much confusion about the anal abscess. The doctors had classified it as 'perianal abscess' but despite this they didn't checked for fistula, because they assumed it was just an ingrown hair. They changed opinion and said 'could be crohn's', thus I got an MRI. Thank you for your support Cmack.

 

[lgpcarter]

Any updates Ebru? How are you doing?