Published in PLOS One on 2026-01-21, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Merciana G Mliga, Zuhura Nkrumbih, Ramadhan Kazema, Amina Mbaga
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0340424
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Gynecological conditions are common among premenopausal women and significantly affect fertility, quality of life, and productivity. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers superior soft tissue characterization compared to other modalities but local data on MRI patterns in Sub-Saharan Africa remain limited.
To determine the MRI patterns of gynecological conditions among premenopausal women at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
A prospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2022 among 100 premenopausal women aged 18–45 years referred for pelvic MRI. Data on socio-demographic, clinical, and imaging findings were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Associations were assessed using chi-square and logistic regression, with significance set at p < 0.05.
The majority of participants (80%) were aged above 30 years, and 51% were nulliparous. The prevalence of gynecological conditions was 82%, with uterine fibroids being the most common (37%), followed by simple ovarian cysts (8%) and ovarian tumors (7%). Lower abdominal pain (65%) was the most frequent symptom. Women aged ≥30 years (OR=10.4, 95% CI: 2.5–43.1, p = 0.001) and nulliparous women (OR=5.2, 95% CI: 1.9–13.6, p = 0.001) were significantly more likely to have fibroids, while parity was protective against other gynecological tumors (OR=0.3, 95% CI: 0.1–0.9, p = 0.03). MRI demonstrated characteristic lesion patterns aiding differentiation between benign and malignant lesions.
Gynecological conditions are highly prevalent among premenopausal women, with fibroids being the leading diagnosis. MRI plays a key role in their detection and characterization. Advancing age and nulliparity are significant predictors of fibroids, while parity appears protective against other tumors.
Further multi-center studies incorporating histopathological correlation and longitudinal follow-up are recommended to strengthen diagnostic accuracy and clinical applicability.
Introduction
Gynecological conditions affect the female reproductive system and are broadly categorized into adnexal, uterine, cervical, and vaginal pathologies. They may be physiological or pathological, and include a wide range of disorders such as infections, neoplastic conditions, vascular conditions, inflammatory disorders, endocrine and metabolic abnormalities, congenital anomalies and trauma-related complications. These conditions disproportionately affect women of reproductive age, leading to significant consequences on fertility, reproductive health, quality of life, and economic productivity, since this age group constitutes the majority of the labor force in many countries [1].
The majority of women presenting with gynecological conditions are premenopausal. Common conditions in this group include pelvic organ prolapse, infertility, reproductive tract infections, and menstrual problems [2]. Symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and discharge are frequent and can result in complications such as depression, reduced quality of life, and infertility [3–5]. Among benign conditions, uterine fibroids are the most prevalent, followed by adenomyosis, endometriosis, and polycystic ovarian syndrome, all of which represent a major public health concern [6,7]. Malignant tumors such as cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers also remain significant, with global patterns showing rising rates of uterine cancer linked to obesity [8–10]. In addition, congenital anomalies and pelvic inflammatory disease further contribute to infertility [11,12].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider technology & industry desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Merciana G Mliga, Zuhura Nkrumbih, Ramadhan Kazema, Amina Mbaga. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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