Incidentalomas of the female genital tract on 64-slice MDCT: a clinico-radiological pictorial review

Abdom Radiol (NY). 2021 Sep;46(9):4420-4431. doi: 10.1007/s00261-021-03086-9. Epub 2021 Apr 22.

Abstract

Sonography is the imaging modality of choice for diagnosing diseases of the female genital tract due to its high resolution, easy availability, low cost and lack of radiation. CT is not advocated for the primary evaluation of the female pelvis. However, with the advent of Multidetector CT (MDCT), females of all ages undergo CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis for myriad non-gynaecological diseases, e.g. subacute intestinal obstruction, abdominal lump, abdominal tuberculosis, appendicitis, ureteric colic, pancreatitis, oncological staging, follow-up, etc. Incidental female genital tract disorders were seen on these scans that are a dilemma for both, the radiologists and the clinicians. The objective of this pictorial review is to characterise the incidentally detected lesions of the female genital tract observed on 64-slice MDCT by correlating with sonography, if necessary, and establishing a clinico-radiological diagnosis. Our aim is to emphasise that the radiologist may be the first person to recognise a gynaecologic disorder and hence can play a significant role in patient management.

Keywords: Adnexa; Incidentalomas; MDCT; Pelvis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Appendicitis*
  • Female
  • Genital Diseases, Female* / diagnostic imaging
  • Genitalia, Female / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Multidetector Computed Tomography
  • Pelvis