Conditions our MRI scans have found

Cervical polyps commonly occur in women during the reproductive years, especially after age 40. Cervical polyps are small, elongated, non-cancerous tumors that grow on the cervix. The cause of cervical polyps is unknown, but chronic inflammation of the cervical canal may play a role, as may hormonal factors.  

Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity is called ascites. There are numerous causes of ascites, but the most common cause in the U.S. is cirrhosis of the liver (which accounts for approximately 80% of cases). Cirrhosis is a condition in which scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue and prevents the liver from working normally. Other common causes of ascites are cancer-related or due to heart failure.

An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine or fat, pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Inguinal hernias are common, typically harmless, and do not require treatment unless there are symptoms. Possible symptoms include groin pain with exertion (e.g. lifting a heavy object) and inability to perform daily activities due to pain or discomfort from the hernia. In rare cases, the intestines or fat can get trapped (incarcerated) inside a hernia, causing persistent, severe pain, which requires emergent evaluation.

The common iliac arteries provide the primary blood supply to the lower limbs. An iliac aneurysm is a bulging and weakness in the wall of the iliac artery. Causes of iliac aneurysms include atherosclerosis (a disease of the arteries characterized by the deposit of cholesterol-containing fatty deposits on the inner walls which hardens the blood vessels), infections, and trauma for hip or lower back surgery. Risk factors for iliac aneurysm include genetics, male gender, smoking, high blood pressure and poor cholesterol. This aneurysm is usually asymptomatic (does not cause symptoms), but can cause back, lower abdominal, and/or groin pain. Treatment depends on the size of the aneurysm, individual age, health, and other medical conditions.

Zinner syndrome is a rare congenital (from birth) condition in males in which a kidney is absent, an ejaculatory duct is obstructed and a seminal vesicle cyst is present, all on one side of the body. This syndrome can cause pelvic pain, urinary changes and infertility.

Gartner duct cysts develop on the side walls of the vagina. They are mainly located in the walls of the vaginal canal, and less commonly, in the walls of the uterus. Gartner ducts are present in a fetus while it is developing in the womb, but usually disappear after the baby's birth. If parts of the duct remain, they may collect fluid and develop into a vaginal wall cyst later in life.