The acute pelvis - does MRI have a role?
02 Nov 2017
The acute pelvis - does MRI have a role?
Dr Sarah Natas
Ultrasound is usually the primary imaging modality for assessing acute pelvic pain in female patients, however, cross sectional imaging may be necessary for further evaluation.
CT lacks soft tissue contrast within the gynaecological organs and radiation dose is an obvious concern. MRI, with its excellent soft tissue contrast, can act as a useful problem solving tool in the evaluation of acute pelvic and abdominal pain.
MRI is useful in evaluating; infection, torsion, acute complications of fibroids, and for characterising adnexal masses prior to surgery.
MRI is also of use in early pregnancy haemorrhage to evaluate the primary site of a vascular mass. A primary endometrial mass suggests RPOC. AVM is rare but is usually a vascular mass based within the myometrium. The presence of persistently elevated BHCG should raise suspicion of invasive mole.
Educational aims:
• To understand the role of MRI in imaging acute pelvic pain in the female patient
• To gain experience of MRI in the evaluation of early pregnancy haemorrhage
Learning objectives:
• To see examples of a range of common acute pathologies affecting the uterus and adnexa, and their MR appearances
• To understand the utility of MRI in diagnosing non-
gynaecological acute pathologies that may mimic, or occur in conjunction with gynaecological disease
• To discuss the role of MRI in the clinical diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease, retained products of conception (RPOC), arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and subinvolution of the placental site
References:
• Singh AJ et al. MR Imaging of the Acute Abdomen and Pelvis: Acute Appendicitis and Beyond. Radiographics. 2007 Sep-Oct; 27(5):1419-31.
• Thomassin-Naggara et al. Gynecological Pelvic Infection. What is the role of Imaging? Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging. 2012 (93), 491-499.
• Sellmyer MA et al. Physiologic, Histologic, and Imaging Features of Retained Products of Conception. RadioGraphics. 2013; 33:781–796.
0.5 CPD credit
Watch the video and complete the online self-reflection form. Go to "My events" to download your certificate. You must login to watch the video and receive CPD.
Dr Sarah Natas
Ultrasound is usually the primary imaging modality for assessing acute pelvic pain in female patients, however, cross sectional imaging may be necessary for further evaluation.
CT lacks soft tissue contrast within the gynaecological organs and radiation dose is an obvious concern. MRI, with its excellent soft tissue contrast, can act as a useful problem solving tool in the evaluation of acute pelvic and abdominal pain.
MRI is useful in evaluating; infection, torsion, acute complications of fibroids, and for characterising adnexal masses prior to surgery.
MRI is also of use in early pregnancy haemorrhage to evaluate the primary site of a vascular mass. A primary endometrial mass suggests RPOC. AVM is rare but is usually a vascular mass based within the myometrium. The presence of persistently elevated BHCG should raise suspicion of invasive mole.
Educational aims:
• To understand the role of MRI in imaging acute pelvic pain in the female patient
• To gain experience of MRI in the evaluation of early pregnancy haemorrhage
Learning objectives:
• To see examples of a range of common acute pathologies affecting the uterus and adnexa, and their MR appearances
• To understand the utility of MRI in diagnosing non-
gynaecological acute pathologies that may mimic, or occur in conjunction with gynaecological disease
• To discuss the role of MRI in the clinical diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease, retained products of conception (RPOC), arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and subinvolution of the placental site
References:
• Singh AJ et al. MR Imaging of the Acute Abdomen and Pelvis: Acute Appendicitis and Beyond. Radiographics. 2007 Sep-Oct; 27(5):1419-31.
• Thomassin-Naggara et al. Gynecological Pelvic Infection. What is the role of Imaging? Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging. 2012 (93), 491-499.
• Sellmyer MA et al. Physiologic, Histologic, and Imaging Features of Retained Products of Conception. RadioGraphics. 2013; 33:781–796.
0.5 CPD credit
Watch the video and complete the online self-reflection form. Go to "My events" to download your certificate. You must login to watch the video and receive CPD.
Duration:20 mins
Speaker info
Sarah Natas
Dr Sarah Natas Consultant Radiologist, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust Dr Sarah Natas completed her undergraduate MBBS medical training at St Bartholomew’s and the Royal London Hospital Medical School and obtained her BSc degree at UCL Medical School and MRCP in 2001. She undertook her radiology training at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital followed by completing her FRCR in 2005. She was appointed as a Consultant Radiologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in 2010 with special interest in gynaecological and oncological imaging. Guy’s and St Thomas’ is the tertiary referral centre for gynaecological oncology for South East London. The Trust has a large gynaecological and obstetric unit acting as referral centre for complex patients.