Gynecologic causes of acute pelvic pain: spectrum of CT findings

Although ultrasound (US) is the primary imaging modality of choice in the radiologic evaluation of the female patient with acute pelvic pain, the role of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of abdominal and pelvic pain continues to expand. CT may be performed if a gynecologic disorder is not initially suspected, if US findings are equivocal, or if the abnormality extends beyond the field of view achievable with the endovaginal probe and further characterization of pelvic disease is required. Many gynecologic disorders that cause acute pelvic pain (eg, uterine disorders, ovarian disorders, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, postoperative or postpartum complications) demonstrate characteristic CT findings. Familiarity with these CT appearances is important: It will allow the radiologist to guide appropriate treatment of affected patients and may eliminate the need for further imaging evaluation.