Extra-Gynecological Pelvic Pathology: A Challenge in the Differential Diagnosis of the Female Pelvis

Abstract

Ultrasound technology with or without color Doppler allows a real-time evaluation of the entire female pelvis including gynecologic and non-gynecological organs, as well as their pathology. As ultrasound is an accurate tool for gynecological diagnosis and is less invasive and less expensive than other techniques, it should be the first imaging modality used in the evaluation of the female pelvis. We present a miscellany of non-gynecological pelvic images observed during the realization of gynecological ultrasound. Transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound is the first choice among diagnostic techniques for the study of the female pelvis, providing information about gynecological and extra-gynecological organs, allowing for an orientation toward the pathology of a specific organ or system as well as for additional tests to be performed that are necessary for definitive diagnosis.

Endometrioma Unveiled: A Comprehensive Review of the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Current Management Strategies of Ovarian Endometriosis

“…Ultrasonography can be used to visualize thick inflamed walls. 30 Many differential diagnoses for adnexal cysts range from physiologically normal (follicular, luteal) to ovarian neoplasms. Follicular and corpus luteal cysts develop during the menstrual cycle due to increased hormone stimulation, yet they are associated with irregular menstruation and pain during intercourse.…”

Point-of-Care Abdominal Ultrasonography (POCUS) on the Way to the Right and Rapid Diagnosis

“…Most often, diverticulosis is asymptomatic [ 117 ], but 15% to 25% of patients develop diverticulitis [ 118 ], which is usually the cause of abdominal pain [ 3 ], as well as the most common cause of non-traumatic colon perforation and elective colon resection [ 119 , 120 ]. Diverticulitis can occur in any part of the large intestine, most commonly in the sigmoid colon [ 121 , 122 , 123 ], which is why in females both transvaginal and transabdominal US examinations are useful [ 124 ]. On the other hand, it can occur in the small intestine as Meckel’s diverticulitis [ 122 , 123 ].…”