Junctional zone (uterus)

Last revised by Craig Hacking on 15 Mar 2024

Junctional zone is a region representing the inner myometrium of the uterus and is a very important imaging feature in pelvic MR imaging for the interpretation of various pathologies. In its intact state, it is usually visible on MRI as a low T2 signal layer beneath the endometrium. At times, it can also be seen on ultrasound as a slightly more hypoechogenic layer between the endometrium and deeper myometrium.

This low signal intensity is thought to be from closely packed compact smooth muscle cells, arranged concentrically around the uterine cavity, with little extracellular matrix and water content.

Disruption or alteration of the junctional zone with various pathological conditions.

Some research also emphasizes the use of the junctional zone as a predictor for implantation failure after in vitro fertilisation 2.

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