Junctional zone of the uterus: correlation of MR imaging and histologic examination of hysterectomy specimens.

TLDR

High‑resolution MR images of 12 hysterectomy specimens were correlated with light microscopy, image analysis, and immunohistochemistry to identify the histologic counterpart of the low‑signal‑intensity junctional zone (JZ) surrounding the bright central uterine stripe. Specimens were imaged on a 1.5‑T superconducting magnet within an average of 2.5 h after hysterectomy, and histologic analysis included light microscopy, image analysis, and immunohistochemistry. The JZ corresponds to the innermost myometrial layer, showing a three‑fold increase in nuclear area compared to the outer myometrium, while collagen, laminin, and fibronectin distribution were similar between layers.

Abstract

High-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) images of 12 hysterectomy specimens were correlated with results of light microscopy, image analysis, and immunohistochemical studies to investigate the histologic counterpart of the low-signal-intensity band, or junctional zone (JZ), that surrounds the bright central uterine stripe. All specimens were imaged with a 1.5-T superconducting magnet within 21/2 hours (on average) after hysterectomy. Comparison of histologic findings with measurements obtained at MR imaging indicates that the JZ represents the innermost layer of the myometrium. A threefold increase in percentage of nuclear area was found in the JZ in comparison with the outer myometrium, reflecting an increase in both size and number of nuclei. No difference in distribution of common components of the extracellular space (collagen, laminin, and fibronectin) was found between the two layers.