Gynecologic pathology on multidetector CT: a pictorial review

Abstract

The purpose of this pictorial essay is to review the imaging appearance of the spectrum of gynecologic pathology that may be visualized by multidetector computed tomography (CT). Although ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging remain the primary imaging modalities for evaluating female patients with suspected obstetric and gynecologic pathology, CT is frequently performed as the initial imaging modality in the evaluation of abdominal and pelvic pain of unknown etiology. Pelvic pain in women due to a gynecologic condition may also mimic numerous other conditions such as appendicitis and diverticulitis, resulting in initial evaluation by CT-particularly in the emergency setting. The radiologist should, therefore, be familiar with the spectrum of gynecologic and obstetric pathology that may be present on a CT evaluation of the abdomen and pelvis regardless of the study indication, particularly because CT is often the most readily available imaging modality in the emergency setting on a 24/7 basis.