Pictorial review: Ovarian causes of acute pelvic pain in non-pregnant women

Emergency, Genital / Reproductive system female, CT, MR, Ultrasound, Diagnostic procedure, Cysts Authors: F. Trucco, D. M. FERRANDO SOLA, L. Cristóbal Sáez, I. M. BASELGA, M. Colom Riera, M. PALMERO MIRALLES, P. H. POLO GUERRA, A. M. González DOI: 10.26044/ecr2024/C-22179 Learning objectives To review common and uncommon ovarian causes of acute pelvic pain in non-pregnant women describing their main radiological features in ultrasound, CT and MR.

To reach the correct diagnosis in women with pelvic pain can be challenging as it may originate from the female reproductive system as well as from many other structures, and because many symptoms and signs are insensitive and nonspecific. Ovarian causes of acute pelvic pain comprise a considerable percentage of the different differential diagnoses. Furthermore, although the first priority is to treat urgent life-threatening conditions, fertility-threatening conditions (e.g. ovarian torsion, pelvic inflammatory disease) must be considered. Findings and procedure details A. OVARIAN TORSIONOvarian torsionoccurs when the ovary twists on its vascular and ligamental supports, causing interrupted perfusion that is initially due to venous and lymphatic congestion and subsequently caused by compromise of arterial flow.Both the ovary and the fallopian tube typically are involved, hence the preferred term adnexal torsion. The presence of a benign ovarian lesion is the single greatest risk factor for adnexal torsion since ovarian enlargement increases the tendency of the ovary to twist on its ligaments.Patients typically present with sudden severe pelvic...

Acute pelvic pain in non-pregnant women remains a challenge to diagnose. Radiological imaging plays a pivotal role in diagnosing ovarian causes of acute pelvic pain in this group of patients. Recognizing and appropriately interpreting the key imaging features in US, CT and MR imaging is essential for an early and successful diagnosis. Personal information and conflict of interest F. Trucco: Nothing to disclose D. M. FERRANDO SOLA: Nothing to disclose L. Cristóbal Sáez: Nothing to disclose I. M. BASELGA: Nothing to disclose M. Colom Riera: Nothing to disclose M. PALMERO MIRALLES: Nothing to disclose P. H. POLO GUERRA: Nothing to disclose A. M. González: Nothing to disclose

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