Female Pelvic Imaging

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Imaging Modalities - Pixel Power Play

Key imaging techniques for the female pelvis:

ModalityPrimary Use (Female Pelvis)StrengthWeakness
TVSEndometrial/ovarian detail, early preg.↑Resolution, no radiationLimited Field of View (FOV), operator-dependent
TASGlobal pelvic survey, large massesWide FOV, non-invasive↓Resolution vs TVS, needs full bladder
MRIStaging, complex masses, anomaliesSuperior soft tissue, multiplanarCost, time, contraindications (metal)
CTTrauma, acute pain, advanced Ca stagingFast, widely available, bone detailRadiation, ↓soft tissue contrast vs MRI
HSGInfertility (tubal/uterine cavity eval)Uterine/tubal morphology, dynamicRadiation, discomfort, C/I (PID, preg)

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Uterine Wonders & Woes - Womb Room Review

Müllerian Duct Anomalies (MDA) 📌 ASRM MDA (I-VII): "A Unique Doctor Brings Sweet Apples Daily."

  • ASRM Classification:
    ASRMAnomalyKey Feature
    IHypoplasia/AgenesisAbsent/rudimentary uterus
    IIUnicornuateSingle horn ± rud. horn
    IIIDidelphys2 uteri, 2 cervices
    IVBicornuate2 horns, 1 cervix, cleft >1cm
    VSeptateCavity septum, normal ext.
    VIArcuateMild fundal indent <1cm
    VIIDES RelatedT-shaped cavity

Fibroids (Leiomyomas)

  • Types by location:
    • Subserosal: Outer uterine wall; may be pedunculated.
    • Intramural: Within myometrium (most common).
    • Submucosal: Project into endometrial cavity; often symptomatic.

Endometrial Pathologies

  • Endometrial Thickness (ET) - Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVS):
    • Premenopausal: Variable (up to 16 mm secretory phase).
    • Postmenopausal (with bleeding): >4-5 mm suspicious.
    • Postmenopausal (no bleeding, no HRT): <5 mm generally normal.
    • Postmenopausal (on HRT): <8 mm generally normal.
    • Tamoxifen: Can be thicker (e.g., >8 mm), cystic changes common. Sagittal ultrasound of uterus showing endometrial stripe

Adenomyosis

  • Diffuse myometrial infiltration by endometrial glands/stroma.

⭐ Junctional zone (JZ) thickness >12 mm on T2W MRI is highly suggestive of adenomyosis (normal JZ <5 mm).

Ovarian & Adnexal Adventures - Ovary Odyssey

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - Rotterdam Criteria (≥2 of 3):

    • Oligo/anovulation
    • Hyperandrogenism (clinical/biochemical)
    • Polycystic ovaries on USG: ≥12 follicles (2-9mm)/ovary OR ovarian volume >10mL PCOS Ultrasound: Normal vs. Polycystic Ovary
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Complications:

    • Hydrosalpinx / Pyosalpinx
    • Tubo-ovarian Abscess (TOA)
    • Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (perihepatitis) Hydrosalpinx vs. Normal Fallopian Tube

⭐ Fat, calcification, or Rokitansky nodule (dermoid plug) are pathognomonic for mature cystic teratoma (dermoid cyst) on imaging. Ovarian dermoid cyst ultrasound and CT

Ovarian Mass: Benign vs. Malignant (IOTA Simple Rules)

AspectIOTA B-Rules (Benign if ALL present, NO M-Rules)IOTA M-Rules (Malignant if ANY present)
OverallUnilocular cystIrregular solid tumor; Ascites
Solid Comp.Largest < 7mm≥4 papillary structures
Size/ContourSmooth multilocular < 100mmIrregular multilocular ≥100mm
ShadowingAcoustic shadows present-
VascularityNo blood flow (Score 1)Very strong blood flow (Score 4)

Adnexal Mass Management (Simplified Algorithm):

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • TVUS: Initial modality for most female pelvic pathologies.
  • MRI: Superior for staging cervical & endometrial cancer.
  • Ovarian torsion: Enlarged ovary, stromal edema, peripheral follicles; Doppler may show ↓/absent flow.
  • PID: Can lead to tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA), a complex adnexal mass.
  • Endometriomas: Unilocular cysts with homogenous low-level ("ground glass") echoes on US.
  • Dermoid cysts: Often show Rokitansky nodule (dermoid plug) & fat-fluid levels.
  • HSG: Evaluates tubal patency & uterine cavity in infertility.

Practice Questions: Female Pelvic Imaging

Test your understanding with these related questions

A female patient presents with hirsutism, amenorrhea, and obesity. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Flashcards: Female Pelvic Imaging

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An ovarian mass consisting of with USG findings of multiple thin echogenic bands with no vascularity on doppler is suggestive of a _____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

An ovarian mass consisting of with USG findings of multiple thin echogenic bands with no vascularity on doppler is suggestive of a _____

mature teratoma.

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