Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Inflammation, Infection, Hernia, Localisation, Education, Ultrasound, CT, Pelvis, Genital / Reproductive system female, Anatomy
Authors:
G. I. Aruede1, M. J. Cleasby2; 1Birmingham/UK, 2Sutton Coldfield/UK
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2019/C-2983
Background
The groin is an imprecise region and therefore pathology affecting the female groin may arise from multiple organ systems including musculoskeletal,
gastrointestinal,
genitourinary and gynaecological.
This can lead to a challenging diagnosis.
Patients are increasingly referred primarily to radiology for an ultrasound when presenting with a superficial lump in the groin.
It is not uncommon for referrals for ultrasound and CT to contain limited clinical details without a differential diagnosis.
Traditionally,
patients with lumps would have been assessed and triaged by the general surgeon.
As radiologists,
it is important to be aware of the breadth of differential diagnosis so that the patient can be referred to the relevant clinicians.
The general radiologist will require detailed knowledge of applied anatomy of the inguinal canal,
femoral triangle and perineal region,
as well as muscle anatomy of the lower limb.
Ultrasound gives the opportunity to take detailed clinical history and examination,
which in combination with radiological appearances can help to formulate a differential diagnosis and guide patient management.
The radiologist can also recommend or instigate CT or MRI dependent on the urgency.