Learning objectives
Review and illustrate the spectrum of pathologies that can present with acute pelvic pain in the pregnant and puerperal woman.
To discuss the advantages and limitations of different imaging modalities in the context of the pregnant and puerperal woman with acute pelvic pain.
Background
The pregnant and puerperal pelvis might be challenging for the radiologist,
given the anatomical changes and the limitations in the imaging techniques.
Acute pelvic pain is a common symptom,
generally defined as pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis lasting less than three months,
that can pose a challenging clinical scenario in which imaging has an important role.
Technical and radiation issues
During pregnancy it is preferable not to use ionizing radiation (CT) when US or MRI are available and can solve the clinical question.
Findings and procedure details
We reviewed the cases of acute pelvic pain in pregnant and puerperal women presented in our hospital between 2007 and 2017 and selected the 10 most representative pathologies:
OBSTETRIC
CORPUS LUTEAL CYST Fig. 1
Corpus luteal cysts (CLC) represent the most common pelvic masses in the first trimester of pregnancy.
CLC are a type of functional ovarian cysts that result when a corpus luteum fails to regress following the release of the ovum.
Instead,
it enlarges with or without hemorrhage,
forming a cyst that tends...
Conclusion
When imaging pregnant women,
non ionizing techniques should be preferred starting with the US and with the MRI as the second choice technique.
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