Imaging of the female pelvis

Abstract 

Recent advances in cross-sectional imaging have led to an increasingly important role for radiology in the management of gynaecological conditions. Multiple imaging modalities are utilised to investigate the female pelvis including: ultrasound; computed tomography; magnetic resonance imaging; and positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Each modality has a different role in screening, diagnosis, staging, treatment selection and follow-up. This review will discuss the various imaging techniques and recommended roles for each modality and how these modalities are best employed in the imaging of the female pelvis. The imaging findings of common female pelvic pathology are discussed and illustrated.

Keywords: adenomyoma, diagnostic imaging, ectopic, endometriosis, gynaecology, leiomyoma, ovarian cysts, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, ovarian neoplasms, pelvic inflammatory disease, pregnancy, teratoma, uterine cervical cancer, uterine neoplasms