Imaging of The Female Pelvis – The Essentials

Kurzfassung:

US is the imaging modality of choice for evaluation of the female genital organs. The role of CT is primarily limited to the emergency setting or staging of gynaecologic tumours. Technical advances have opened up a variety of diagnostic applications in female MR imaging with MRI gaining an increasing role in this patient population. This lecture will offer an overview of current indications in the female pelvis. MRI is often used as a problem-solving tool in patients where ultrasound is inconclusive or suboptimal, e.g. for characterisation of a sonographically „indeterminate“ adnexal mass. MRI is also helpful in characterisation of uterine pathologies. It may play an important role in stratifying patients into appropriate treatment options. Patient's preparation for pelvic MRI and the imaging sequences tailored to the specific clinical questions will be discussed. Diagnostic advantages arising from the application of contrast agents will be reviewed. The audience will learn about the normal anatomy of the uterus and ovaries and the physiologic changes of these organs during the menstrual cycle. The spectrum of normal and pathologic findings and the most important pathologies of the uterus and adnexal region will be reviewed; the role of MRI in cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancer will be discussed.

Lernziele:

– To understand the advantages and limits of US, CT and MRI in imaging the female genital organs
– To become familiar with established indications for MRI in the female pelvis
– To be able to explain the technique of a pelvic MRI, the required preparation of the patient and the choice of technical parameters
– To learn why and how to use contrast agents
– To be familiar with the normal anatomy of the uterus and ovaries
– To learn about congenital anomalies and the most relevant pathologies
– To recognize the role of MRI for the work-up of the sonographically indeterminate adnexal mass