Imaging of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Part I

In this video lecture, we discuss the ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) appearance of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Topics include:

  • Early findings of PID, including haziness of pelvic fat, salpingitis, oophoritis, and endometritis.
  • Importance of indentifying dilated fallopian tubes by the characteristic “C” or “S” shape that they exhibit, as well as the presence of the “cogwheel” sign.
  • Differentiating tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) from tubo-ovarian complex (TOC), and the associated treatment implications.
  • Emphazing the typical posterior, dependent position of pyosalpinges and TOAs, as well as the associated anterior displacement of the broad ligament/mesosalpinx.

References:

Imaging of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Part II

In the second part of this video lecture, we discuss the MRI appearance of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), including tips on how to differentiate pyosalpinx from both hydrosalpinx and hematosalpinx.  The computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound appearance of associated complications of PID are also reviewed.

Topics include:

  • Using diffusion-weighted imaging to differentiate pyosalpinx/tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) from hydrosalpinx.
  • Association between hematosalpinx and endometriosis.
  • Fitz-Hugh-Curtis perihepatitis syndrome and its CT appearance on both late hepatic arterial phase and portal venous phase imaging.
  • Imaging appearance of endometritis, including fluid-filled dilated endometrial cavity, subendometrial enhancement, gas, “dirty” shadowing and (most importantly) presence of clinical suspicion.
  • Ovarian vein thrombosis, with emphasis on identifying enhancing, thickened venous walls and perivenous inflammation as findings of thrombophlebitis.
  • TOA secondary to diverticulitis.
  • How oxidized regenerated cellulose can mimic pelvic abscess and can normally contain gas for at least a month after surgery, highlighting the importance of reviewing the details of the operative history.

References: