Projects & Grants
| Evaluation of Sacral Plexus Root Infiltration in Endometriosis Using Quantifiable Parameters from Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) | |
|---|---|
| Project Id | |
| Main solver | Mgr. Michaela Pomaki, MBA |
| Period | 1/2025 - 12/2025 |
| Provider | Specifický VŠ výzkum |
| State | solved |
| Anotation | Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition characterized by the presence of endometrium-like tissue outside the uterine cavity, often associated with chronic pelvic pain and infertility. A patient may experience infiltration of the sacral plexus roots, resulting in neurological symptoms in the pelvic region and lower extremities. The pathogenesis of pain in endometriosis is not yet fully understood; however, it is believed that direct nerve involvement and the development of the lesions' own nerve supply play significant roles. As part of this project, we will evaluate the use of Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) in magnetic resonance imaging to quantify the infiltration of sacral plexus roots in patients with endometriosis. As a primary goal, we will correlate the diffusion parameters (such as fractional anisotropy, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity) with morphological findings on MRI and clinical manifestations of pain. A second objective is to determine whether nerve involvement is related to the intensity of chronic pelvic pain and neurological symptoms. The study will enroll 50 patients with suspected endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. The participants will undergo MRI examinations with DTI sequences using a Magnetom Prisma 3T scanner. In order to quantify the diffusion parameters of the L4, L5, S1, and S2 nerve roots, the acquired data will be analyzed using specialized software tools in Python and MATLAB. Using the ENZIAN scoring system, the results will be correlated with clinical data and sonographic assessments. This study is expected to contribute to the development of a quantifiable methodology for assessing sacral plexus involvement in endometriosis and automating the processing of DTI data in this region. Patients with neurological manifestations of endometriosis may benefit from this study's findings in terms of improving diagnosis and treatment. This research will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal with a high impact. |
