Learning objectives
To review a spectrum of gynaecological conditions presenting clinically as acute abdomen
To review the typical imaging features on CT and MRI of acute gynaecological entities
To highlight potentialpitfalls in imaging interpretation of these gynaecological conditions
Background
Gynaecological conditions often present as acute abdomen,
the diagnosis of which may not be clinically straightforward to unsuspecting surgeons.
Although ultrasound is usually the preferred first-line imaging modality for females of reproductive ages,
the diagnoses of acute gynaecological conditions are now made more frequently on CT and MRI performed for acute abdomen.
Female pelvic anatomy on CT and MRI
The female reproductive system comprises the vagina,
uterus,
ovaries and fallopian tubes.
The uteruslies within the true pelvis.
In nulliparous females,
it is often anteverted and...
Findings and procedure details
Acute gynaecological conditions
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
infection and inflammation of the female upper genital tract,
involving the uterus,
fallopian tubes and ovaries
ascending infection from vagina,
usuallyChlamydia trachomatis,Neisseria gonorrhoeae,
and polymicrobial infections
mostly affect sexually active women; other risk factors include young age,
multiple sexual partners,
use of intra-uterine device
frequently causes tubal damage,
scarring and occlusion,
which may result in long-term complications and concern for infertility,
higher risk of ectopic pregnancy;therefore important for accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment
most women have mild symptoms:...
Conclusion
Familiarisation with the typical CT and MRI findings in acute gynaecological conditions is crucial for timely confident diagnosis when interpreting urgent imaging of patients presenting with acute abdomen.
Personal information
Yee Ting Sim,
FRCR.
Department of Radiology,
Ninewells Hospital,
Dundee,
UK;
[email protected]
Brooke Lawson,
MRCOG.
Department of Radiology,
Ninewells Hospital,
Dundee,
UK;
[email protected]
Amy Leslie,
FRCR. Department of Radiology,
Ninewells Hospital,
Dundee,
UK;
[email protected]
Michelle Cooper. Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology,
Ninewells Hospital,
Dundee,
UK;
[email protected]
Kalpana Ragupathy,
MRCOG.
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology,
Ninewells Hospital,
Dundee,
UK;
[email protected]
Thiru Sudarshan,
FRCR.
Department of Radiology,
Ninewells Hospital,
Dundee,
UK;
[email protected]
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