Table 3.

MR imaging sequences and rationale

Sequences/technique	Diagnostic value	Literature
Basic protocol		7,10,12,13,16
Sag/Oblique axial T2W and T1W axial	Anatomy, characterisation and mapping of leiomyomas DDx adenomyosis Other findings
Fast T2W upper abdomen	Large tumors, renal obstruction, metastases
Optional sequences
T1W FS	DDx of fatty from hemorrhagic lesions of the uterus (e.g lipoleiomyomas, leiomyomas with haemorrhagic degeneration or haematometra) and the ovaries (teratoma, endometriomas)	10,13,16,17
Oblique coronal T2W	Relationship to uterine cavity, DDx of uterine (claw sign) and ovarian origin	3,10
Gadolinium T1W (optimally DCE)	Characterisation of leiomyomas DDx from leiomyosarcomas and adnexal masses (bridging feeding vessels); pre- and post embolisation therapy	12,13, 17-23,
DWI	Characterisation in atypical leiomyomas; treatment in leiomyoma embolisation	11, 28-37