SummaryObjectives & scientific justification: Female reproductive organs undergo changes on multiple scales - from changes over the course of reproductive years to changes associated with monthly hormonal variations till changes related to the regular peristaltic motion - varying in orientation, amplitude and frequency in course again by the menstrual cycle. Further variation exists in the shape, size and orientation of for example the uterus and surrounding tissues. All these factors render imaging methods such as MRI highly subject-specific and calls for automated quantification and detection strategies. However, such better characterisation and automatic training of anomaly detection methods - ultimately to be employed prospectively to guide and individualize MRI examinations - require a comprehensive data set encompassing as much “normal” variability as possible. Project duration: We anticipate the project to last 60 months. Expected impact on public health: Women’s health and particularly reproductive health is increasingly recognized as an under researched area. Diseases such as endometriosis and adenomyosis are associated with a long (on average 8 y) path till diagnosis, chronic debilitating syndromes and hence significant effects on public health. Novel imaging approaches and real-time anomaly detection allow for individualized imaging and hence earlier detection, reducing the burden on the individual and the public health sector in general.

Keywords adenomyosis cervix endometriosis myoma ovaries uterus women

InstitutionsLeibniz Universitaet Hannover, Universität Hannover, Leibniz Universität Hannover