This case illustrates the value and utility of volume MRI for perianal fistula assessment. The volume sequences take 15 minutes to acquire, and can then be reformatted into the axial and coronal planes as the data is isotropic. The slice thickness is 0.6 mm. The contrast resolution is comparable to conventional T2 images. Very thin structures such as setons can be easily seen and followed within tracks. 

The advantages are:

• reduced image acquisition time with its economic and patient comfort consequences
• isotropic data so can reconstruct in any plane
• contrast resolution comparable to conventional imaging