MRI as an Alternative to CT for Exploration of Acute Abdominal Pain in Young Women
MRI as an Alternative to CT for Exploration of Acute Abdominal Pain in Young Women
Objective :

 To demonstrate diagnostic performances of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as compared to
 Computed Tomography (CT) as a second intention imaging modality in young women with acute non
 traumatic abdominopelvic pain and non contributive ultrasonography.
Methods :

 Consecutive women aged 18-40 years old with acute abdominopelvic pain referred to CT by the
 emergency Physician or gynaecologist after a non contributive ultrasonography will be
 included.

 After obtaining informed consent, all patients will undergo standard CT followed by an
 additional MRI examination, performed using a short MRI protocol and within 6 hour from CT.

 The gold standard or reference diagnosis will be established in consensus by an expert panel
 at 3 months follow up using a standardized diagnosis form.

 A retrospective reading will be performed independently for CT and MRI by radiologists
 blinded to the reference diagnosis, using the same standardized diagnosis form.

 CT and MRI accuracies will be compared.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Women aged 18-40 years old

 -  Women referred to CT following a non contributive ultrasonography

 -  Women with acute non traumatic abdominopelvic pain (less than 5 day-duration)

 -  Women with informed consent

 -  Women with affiliation to health insurance

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Women who underwent abdominopelvic surgery in the previous month

 -  Suspicion of vital emergency such as shock preventing any delayed management caused by
 MRI examination

 -  Contra-indication to MRI, including pace maker, ferro-magnetic material, foreign
 bodies with risk of mobilization during MRI examination

 -  Women yet included in the study

 -  Women pregnant (positive beta chorionic gonadotrophic hormone testing) or
 breastfeeding

 -  Women unable to undergo informed consent (vulnerable or protected by law)