Introduction
Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) has improved detection of incidental female
genital tract abnormalities in both the oncology and nononcology patient population.[1] In emergent conditions, the pelvis is invariably scanned for evaluating nongynecological
pelvic abnormalities on CT.[2]
A broad spectrum of anatomic variants and enhancement patterns of the uterus, cervix,
and ovaries were unrecognized on CT previously.[2] Lack of awareness regarding the normal appearances of the female pelvic organs on
contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) can puzzle the radiologist, who may mistake a normal finding
as pathological, triggering additional imaging and causing unnecessary patient anxiety.
Identification of disease of the female genital tract on CT is essential so that unsuspected,
clinically important abnormalities are not misinterpreted, facilitating appropriate
management.[3] These incidental abnormalities may or may not require serial follow-up imaging depending
on the clinical setting. If the abnormalities cannot be completely characterized on
CT, sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can serve as problem-solving tools.[2]
Normal Appearance of the Female Genital Tract on MDCT
Uterus
The uterus is often a forgotten organ on MDCT; however, it may harbor significant
pathology. A second look using intravenous contrast and multiplanar reconstructions
is a must to confidently rule out pathologies.[4]
[5]
On CT, the endometrium is identified as the central hypoattenuating region in the
uterus, with its shape classified as tubular or triangular.[1] The endometrium and the endometrial cavity are often a source of confusion on CECT.[2] Axial and coronal planes overestimate the endometrial thickness especially if the
uterus is anteverted or retroverted, as the endometrium is imaged in an oblique plane
in such scenarios.[2] A sagittal scan facilitates accurate and true estimation of the endometrial thickness[2] ([Fig. 1]). CT is an insensitive technique for detecting mild endometrial thickening in both
pre- and postmenopausal females.[1] The differentiation of endometrial thickening from endometrial fluid cannot be made
on the current CT technology and transvaginal sonography remains the modality of choice
for this purpose[1] ([Fig. 2]).
Fig. 1 Misinterpretation of thickened endometrium: On axial contrast-enhanced computed tomography
(CECT), a triangular, apparently thickened, hypodense endometrium (arrow) in (A) an anteverted uterus and (B) a retroverted uterus. (C) Corresponding sagittal reconstructions give an accurate estimate of the thickness
of the endometrium (arrow) in an anteverted and (D) a retroverted uterus, respectively.
Fig. 2 (A) Sagittal, (B) axial, and (C) coronal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the pelvis showing normal
uterine endometrium (arrow) in the secretory phase, mistaken for endometrial fluid.
(D) Transvaginal sonography (TVS) confirms normal secretory phase uterine endometrium
(arrow) and absence of any fluid in the endometrial cavity in the same patient.
In a study performed by Lim et al,[6] the upper limit of the short-axis endometrial thickness in an asymptomatic postmenopausal
female was 12 mm in the sagittal plane which was slightly higher than the 8-mm parameter
used for ultrasound. This difference is a consequence of the difference in imaging
planes between the two modalities.
In a study performed by Yitta et al,[2] three subtypes of uterine and cervical enhancement were described ([Fig. 3]):
Fig. 3 Patterns of uterine enhancement seen on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT)
(adapted from Yitta et al[2]). Type 1 enhancement patterns: (A) Thin subendometrial enhancement. (B) Thick subendometrial enhancement. (C) Subendometrial and outer myometrial type of enhancement. (D) Type 2–Diffuse myometrial enhancement. (E) Type 3–Minimal diffuse enhancement. (F) Patchy heterogeneous enhancement pattern.
-
Type 1: thick or thin subendometrial band-like enhancement with or without outer myometrial
enhancement observed at 30 to 120 seconds after contrast injection, predominantly
in premenopausal women ([Fig. 4A–C]).
-
Type 2: enhancement progressing from the outer myometrial region to the entire myometrium
or diffuse from the onset, without any defined subendometrial enhancement, observed
equally in pre- and postmenopausal women ([Fig. 4D]).
-
Type 3: faint diffuse myometrial enhancement, observed exclusively in postmenopausal
women ([Fig. 4E]).
-
A fourth type of pattern of enhancement, patchy heterogeneous enhancement was also
reported by Yitta et al[2] ([Fig. 4F]).
Fig. 4 Patterns of uterine enhancement seen on 64-slice multidetector computed tomography
(MDCT): Type 1 enhancement patterns: (A) Thick subendometrial enhancement (arrow). (B) Thin subendometrial enhancement (arrow). (C) Subendometrial (yellow arrow) and outer myometrial (red arrow) type of enhancement.
(D) Type 2–Diffuse myometrial enhancement in an acutely anteverted uterus. (E) Type 3–Minimal diffuse enhancement. (F) Patchy heterogeneous enhancement pattern.
The pattern of enhancement is affected by the timing of contrast injection and cardiac
output.[2] The type 1 pattern of enhancement is transitory and progresses to type 3 on delayed
imaging[2] ([Fig. 5]).
Fig. 5 Change in type of uterine enhancement pattern in triple-phase computed tomography
(CT): (A) Contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) shows thick subendometrial pattern of uterine enhancement
(type 1) in a postpartum uterus on portal-venous phase which changed to (B) diffuse pattern of myometrial enhancement (type 3) on the delayed phase.
Cervix
The cervix appears hypoattenuating ([Fig. 6]) with respect to the uterus as a consequence of the greater amount of fibrous tissue
in its stroma and may show delayed enhancement, which may masquerade as a cervical
mass.[2] The demonstration of contiguity of the endocervical canal with the endometrial canal
on multiplanar reconstructions helps in the identification of a normal cervix.[2] The zonal enhancement of the cervix is typically characterized by intense central
circumferential enhancement (due to the richly glandular central mucosa) with less
intense enhancement of the surrounding inner fibromuscular stroma.[2] The outermost fibromuscular stromal region enhances more markedly than the inner
fibromuscular stroma but less markedly than the central cervical mucosa.[2] The combination of these three layers produces a “target-like” appearance of the
cervix ([Fig. 7]) on axial images.[2]
Fig. 6 The cervix has a lower attenuation than the uterus due to greater amount of fibrous
tissue; this should not be mistaken for cervical malignancy on contrast-enhanced computed
tomography (CECT). A sharp line of demarcation (arrows) is seen between the myometrium
and the normal cervix on sagittal reformation.
Fig. 7 Axial contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the pelvis showing a target
type of enhancement of the normal cervix: an intense circumferential central mucosal
enhancement (white arrow), a hypodense inner fibromuscular stromal layer (black arrow),
and an enhancing outer fibromuscular stroma (red arrow) which enhances less than the
cervical canal.
Vagina
The vagina is often overlooked in cross-sectional examinations of the pelvis. Even
though CT is not the primary modality to evaluate the vagina, it is important to be
aware of its normal appearance on CT. The appearance of the vagina varies depending
on the hormonal influence.[7] In females of reproductive age, the vaginal mucosa enhances brightly, whereas the
vaginal wall is hypoattenuating relative to the mucosa and cannot be distinguished
from the adjacent pelvic structures (urethra anteriorly, anterior rectal wall posteriorly).[7] The intense central vaginal enhancement corresponding to vaginal mucosa ([Fig. 8]) can be differentiated from the poorly enhancing vaginal wall.[2] In postmenopausal women, the vaginal mucosa is hypoenhancing, similar to the vaginal
wall and adjacent structures.[7]
Fig. 8 Normal appearance of vagina on contrast multidetector computed tomography (MDCT):
(A) Sagittal image: The intense central vaginal enhancement corresponds to vaginal mucosa
(arrow) that can be differentiated from the poorly enhancing vaginal wall. (B) Axial image showing H-shaped vaginal vault (arrow).
Ovaries
The normal ovaries do not enhance significantly.[8] On CECT, the ovary enhances less than the myometrium. The appearance of the ovaries
also varies with the hormonal status of females. In the females of reproductive age
group, the ovaries can have a variable appearance and may show fluid or soft tissue
attenuation[8] or multiple follicles ([Fig. 9]). In postmenopausal women, the ovaries are small and featureless with homogenous
soft tissue attenuation.[8]
Fig. 9 Normal appearance of ovaries: Axial contrast computed tomography (CT) pelvis showing
normal ovaries (arrows) exhibiting soft tissue density, containing small, round hypodense
follicles.
The maximum linear dimension of the ovary is 5 cm for premenopausal women and 3 to
4 cm for postmenopausal women[8]; while the volume is up to 20 and 10 cm3, respectively.[9] However, in the presence of a physiologic ovarian cyst in a premenopausal patient,
the ovarian size can increase up to 7 cm in length.[8]
Fallopian Tubes
The normal fallopian tubes are not visualized on CT unless they are dilated with fluid,
pus, or blood.[10] The identification of a well-visualized or dilated fallopian tube should prompt
the radiologist to look for the underlying cause pathology. The normal fallopian tubes,
however, may sometimes be seen in the presence of ascites.
Lymph Nodes
The incidental finding of prominent pelvic lymph nodes, particularly on coronal reformatted
CT images, has become more common with improved scanning techniques.[1] A normal lymph node has a bean-shaped morphology with a fatty hilum. Pathological
lymph nodes need to be differentiated from nonpathological ones, and are more likely
to have an irregular border and are more likely to be round than oval, with a short-to-long
axis ratio of 0.81, compared with 0.57 for benign nodes.[1] The preservation of a normal fatty hilum indicates a benign node, whereas central
necrosis can be seen with metastatic involvement. There is a lack of consensus regarding
the normal size limit in the diagnosis of pelvic tumor nodal metastases, although
a threshold of 8 mm short-axis diameter is used for pelvic lymph nodes.[1]
Incidentalomas of the Female Genital Tract
Uterocervical Incidentalomas
Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are the most common pelvic tumor found incidentally on CT. These can be small
or giant, homogeneous or inhomogeneous, pelvic or abdomino-pelvic masses.[11] An enlarged uterus with deformed uterine contour is the most common CT finding.[12] Minimal uterine enlargement is difficult to detect on CT; therefore, uterine size
alone is not a useful criterion for diagnosing fibroids.[12] Fibroids presenting as alterations in contour or lobulations ([Fig. 10]) are identified more often in the uterine fundus than the body.[12]
Fig. 10 Fibroid presenting as a contour abnormality: (A) Sagittal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) shows bulge in the posterior
wall of the uterus (black arrow), but no well-defined lesion. (B) Sonographic image shows a fibroid (between cursors) in the posterior myometrium.
A hypodense nabothian cyst was seen in lower uterine segment (white arrow).
They can appear hypoattenuating, isoattenuating, or hyperattenuating with respect
to the normal uterus on MDCT.[2] Calcification or cystic changes may be seen within large masses.[12] The presence of calcification in a uterine mass ([Fig. 11]) is the most specific sign of a leiomyoma.[12] However, this finding is reportedly uncommon. The dystrophic calcification of solid
mass type usually has a mottled appearance with no well-defined curvilinear rim. In
multiple uterine leiomyomas, calcification may be present in only one of the tumors
or limited to only a part of the tumor.[12] Necrosis or degeneration may be seen on CT scans as a low-attenuation within the
fibroid. Areas of high attenuation can be seen in atypical leiomyomas.[12] In infected fibroids, the central core can get filled with purulent material or
gas.[12]
Fig. 11 Sagittal reconstruction of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) pelvis: peripherally
calcified, hypodense, large intramural fibroid in the anterior wall of the uterus.
Postpartum Uterus
Women may undergo MDCT because of vague abdominal pain, unexplained fever, suspicion
of appendicitis, etc. in the postpartum period. The uterus in such patients may be
mistaken as abnormal if the patient's clinical history is unknown and the radiologist
is unfamiliar with imaging appearance of the postpartum uterus.
Typically, a postpartum uterus is enlarged and boggy, with distension of the endometrial
canal which may persist until approximately 6 to 8 weeks. Intrauterine air is normal
up to 3 weeks postpartum in the absence of clinical signs of infection.[2] The former site of placental attachment may normally demonstrate a myometrial defect
with increased vascularity and enhancement, and this should not be mistaken for more
grave pathologies ([Fig. 12]). In addition, prominent vessels may be seen within the myometrium normally in the
postpartum period ([Fig. 13]).[2]
Fig. 12 Arterial (A), sagittal, (B) coronal, and (C) venous phase sagittal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) images reveal
a bulky postpartum uterus with a focal area showing serpentine enhancement (arrow),
in the posterior myometrium. This represents the placental attachment site and should
not be mistaken for an arteriovenous malformation. Patient had an uneventful postpartum
period.
Fig. 13 Postpartum uterus: (A–C) multiplanar reformation (MPR) of a bulky uterus with focal, tubular and irregular
(arrows) hypervascular areas within the thickened endometrium and myometrium on contrast-enhanced
computed tomography (CECT), which was the site of placental attachment. (D–F) Transvaginal sonography (TVS) + color Doppler showed a markedly thickened endometrium
with mild internal vascularity showing arterial waveform. Patient had no bleeding
per vaginum.
Post-Caesarean Section Appearances
Caesarean section is a commonly performed surgical procedure in women. The surgical
incision line in the uterus is generally located in the lower segment of the anterior
uterine wall. Acquaintance with the normal and abnormal findings of the anterior uterine
wall is of critical importance for radiologists in this era of ever-increasing caesarean
sections.[13] An oval or triangular area of hypoattenuation, which represents edema, can be seen
in the myometrium in the anterior lower uterine segment[5] ([Fig. 14]). Myometrial discontinuity on CT in the first postpartum week should not be interpreted
as uterine rupture or dehiscence.[2] Postpartum uterine discontinuity even in the presence of endometrial or parametrial
air and intraperitoneal free air are normal findings after caesarean section.[2] Thus, the radiologist must be extremely cautious in diagnosing uterine dehiscence
and rule out its mimics.
Fig. 14 Post-caesarean section appearance in a postpartum uterus: Bulky uterus showing an
irregular, hypodense defect (arrow) in the anterior wall of the uterus with beaking
of the endometrium. This should not be misinterpreted as uterine perforation.
The uterine cavity is usually empty after a caesarean section and there should not
be significant free fluid in the pelvis in the absence of peritoneal irrigation.[5] The low transverse incision site is best visualized on the sagittal reconstruction
and the vertical incision site is best visualized on axial sections. A small hematoma
which appears hyperechoic on ultrasonography and a high-attenuation on CT may be seen
at the uterine incision site or the prevesical space.[5] The imaging findings should always be interpreted along with the clinical findings
of the patient.[5]
Endometrial clot and debris appear as hyperattenuating material on CT. These findings
can be seen in healthy patients but are also common findings in the setting of endometritis,
making the patient's clinical history extremely important for proper image interpretation.
Small amounts of air in the subcutaneous incision, the endometrium, and the urinary
bladder (from a Foley catheter) are also routine findings after caesarean delivery.[5] Haziness and stranding or small areas of fluid in the subcutaneous fat can be visualized
due to the surgical procedure. However, a discrete, walled-off fluid collection suggestive
of an abscess is abnormal and needs to be reported. Small peritoneal fluid collections
such as anterior subfascial hematomas and bladder flap hematomas are generally considered
normal and are usually not clinically significant if less than 4 cm in size.[13]
Healed Caesarean Scar
A healed cesarean scar appears as a narrow transverse line in the anterior lower uterine
segment, best evaluated in the sagittal section.[13] At the level of the scar, thinning and retraction of the anterior myometrium creates
wedge-shaped defects which causes distortion of the tissues adjacent to the scar and
may give “hourglass” shape on sagittal views.[13]
Nabothian Cysts
On MDCT, nabothian cysts may be visualized as well-defined, variable-sized lesions
in the cervix showing an attenuation similar to that of fluid (10–15 Hounsfield unit
[HU]) ([Fig. 10]). At axial imaging, a centrally located nabothian cyst may mimic a fluid-filled
distended endocervical canal. A dilated endocervical canal needs to be differentiated
from the nabothian cysts, which appear as thin-walled, rounded structures ([Fig. 15]). They appear separate from the endocervical canal which is distinguished by its
enhancing mucosa.[2] Nabothian cysts must be identified correctly because no treatment is required if
they are asymptomatic. On sonography most nabothian cysts appear as simple anechoic
cysts in the cervix, without vascularity.[2] However, they may vary in appearance because of proteinaceous or hemorrhagic content,
clustering of adjacent cysts, and deep extension into the cervical stroma, sometimes
enlarging the cervix.[2] The “tunnel cluster” variant of nabothian cyst appears as a complex multicystic
cervical mass that may mimic cervical malignancy and this differentiation is critical.[2]
Fig. 15 Axial contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) pelvis shows a hypodense, well-defined,
central round lesion of cystic attenuation within the cervix (arrow) which may mimic
an endocervical canal, dilated with fluid. However, no enhancing rim is seen. A nabothian
cyst was confirmed on sonography.
Adnexal Lesions
Physiological Cysts
Follicular cysts are the most common well-defined adnexal masses. On CT, they appear
as a sharply marginated, round, simple fluid collections (attenuation < 20 HU) with
a thin nonenhancing wall. When found incidentally on CT, follow-up ultrasound should
be done after one to two menstrual cycles as they usually resolve within 4 to 8 weeks.[9] A dominant follicle is differentiated from simple cysts on basis of size being < 2.5 cm
([Fig. 16]). Corpus luteal cysts are ovarian cysts which arise following rupture of a Graafian
follicle. They have thick and crenulated walls that may show enhancement ([Fig. 17]).
Fig. 16 Dominant follicle in the right ovary: Axial contrast-enhanced computed tomography
(CECT) shows a cystic lesion with thin, smooth, enhancing rim seen in right ovary
(arrow) measuring 2.3 cm in size. The size of the cyst (< 2.5 cm) and scan performed
during the preovulatory period of the menstrual cycle can confirm the diagnosis.
Fig. 17 Axial contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) pelvis of a young female done
on day 20 of the menstrual cycle incidentally showed a characteristic corpus luteal
cyst (arrow) within the left ovary with thick, enhancing, crenulated margins.
Hemorrhagic Cysts
On noncontrast CT, hemorrhagic cysts can appear as unilocular cystic lesions with
a density ranging from 25 to 100 HU ([Fig. 18]).[14] In cases where rupture occurs, fluid–fluid levels and hemoperitoneum can be demonstrated.
The identification of hemorrhagic cysts on CT does not need immediate sonographic
evaluation unless there is significant hemoperitoneum.[14] A follow-up ultrasound after two to three menstrual cycles will demonstrate change
in internal echotexture and resolution of the cyst.[14] There exists considerable overlap between the imaging appearances of hemorrhagic
and luteal cysts, and the wall of corpus luteal cysts appears thicker than that of
follicular cyst on the postcontrast study.[10]
Fig. 18 (A) Noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) showed a cystic lesion with hyperdense content
(black arrow). (B) Axial and (C) coronal contrast-enhanced CT (CECT): cyst showing peripherally enhancing thin rim
(white arrow). (D) Sonography revealed heterogeneous internal echotexture, confirming a hemorrhagic
cyst. (E) Repeat Doppler after 1 week showed crescentic echogenic content in dependent location
without vascularity.
Dermoid Cyst
Dermoid cysts are the most common germ cell neoplasm and also the most common germ
cell neoplasm resected during surgery.[15] Approximately 85% are detected between the ages of 20 and 50 years and most of them
are mature and benign, with 99% showing a cystic component. Roughly 3% of these lesions
will eventually undergo torsion.[9] CT demonstrates macroscopic fat in more than 90% of ovarian dermoids ([Fig. 19]). Fat attenuation within a cystic ovarian lesion with or without wall calcification
is diagnostic for dermoid cyst.[15] A floating mass of hair can sometimes be detected at the fat–fluid interface on
CT.[15] Mural nodules, calcification, and teeth are also depicted on MDCT. The complications
of dermoid cysts include torsion, rupture, and malignant degeneration. Malignant transformation
of mature cystic teratoma is a rare complication which is reported to occur in 1 to
2% of cases.[15] The appearance of a solid enhancing component within the dermoid cyst should prompt
consideration of malignant degeneration and this usually occurs in 6th to 7th decade.[15] Although there is debate regarding their management, most clinicians recommend surgical
intervention in symptomatic, large (> 5 cm), and potentially malignant cysts.[16]
Fig. 19 Dermoid cyst: (A) Axial contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT)—a large cystic lesion containing
fat (white arrow) with focal calcification (black arrow) in its wall is seen. (B) Coronal CECT pelvis in another young female shows a similar tiny lesion in the right
ovary containing fat (white arrow) and calcification.
Theca Lutein Cysts
These may be identified as bilateral, symmetrical, large, multilocular adnexal cystic
masses ([Fig. 20]) in patients on ovulation induction therapy. They may also be incidentally observed
following evacuation of a molar pregnancy for 2 to 4 months.
Fig. 20 Bilateral theca lutein cysts: (A) Axial contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT): multiloculated cystic enlarged
ovaries, right measuring 6.4 × 4.5 cm and left measuring 6.7 × 5.38 cm (arrows), respectively.
(B) Transvaginal sonography (TVS) confirmed bilateral enlarged ovaries with multiple
follicles (4–5 mm). The patient who underwent CT for road traffic accident, revealed
history of being on ovulation induction therapy.
Metastatic Disease to the Ovaries
Five to 20% of ovarian malignancies are metastases and in up to 38% of cases, the
identification of metastasis precedes the primary neoplasm.[1] Metastases to the ovaries may occur hematogenously, via direct extension, or by
peritoneal spread. Most studies have shown that differentiation between metastatic
and primary tumors on the basis of imaging findings alone is difficult. Clinical context
can help. Metastases typically are solid, bilateral ([Fig. 21]), and strongly enhancing. Cystic and necrotic areas are common, and lesions which
are predominantly cystic may resemble primary ovarian cancer.
Fig. 21 Krukenberg tumors: Known case of carcinoma breast, (A) multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) showed an oval, thick-walled, centrally
necrotic lesion involving the right ovary (black arrow) and heterogeneously enhancing
oval solid lesion (white arrow) involving the left ovary. (B) Bone window shows widespread lytic bone metastases (arrow heads).
The American College of Radiology Incidental Findings Committee have updated the recommendations
for managing adnexal masses incidentally detected on CT and MRI on the basis of menstrual
status or age of the patient with the goal of improving the quality of patient care.[17] Patel et al[17] organized the adnexal masses into (1) a simple appearing cyst, (2) cyst with reasonably
diagnostic imaging features (benign examples include some hemorrhagic, corpus luteal
cysts, peritoneal inclusion cysts, endometriomas, dermoids, etc.), which may be followed
up between 6 and 12 months, if required, and (3) a mass with uncertain diagnosis (which
need sonography/contrast-enhanced MR for further characterization). The “simple-appearing
cyst” is a round or ovoid fluid density mass (–10 to 20 HU) on CT without a solid
component, with smooth, imperceptible, or thin walls; they have a very low risk of
malignancy. Sonographic characterization of incidental simple-appearing cysts on CT > 3 cm
(postmenopausal) or > 5 cm (premenopausal) is justified because the likelihood of
CT mischaracterization may be higher. Adnexal calcification in the absence of a mass
is inconsequential.[17]
Incidental Dilatation of Pelvic Vessels
Diffuse or focal dilation of the pelvic vessels can be incidentally visualized in
patients with abdomino-pelvic neoplasms on MDCT. There are two major processes accounting
for this vascular dilation.[1] It may be due to increased blood flow through collateral vessels associated with
neoplasms such as gestational trophoblastic disease, ovarian solid tumors, etc. The
other mechanism causing dilated collateral channels is benign or malignant venous
obstruction or stenosis ([Fig. 22]), portal hypertension, and left renal venous compression between the aorta and superior
mesenteric artery causing left gonadal vein dilatation. The assessment of such vessels
can assist in identification of tumor origins.[18]
Fig. 22 Prominent gonadal vessels not to be mistaken for pelvic congestion syndrome: (A) Dilated left parametrial vessels (arrow) and (B) ovarian vessels (yellow arrow) in a known case of renal cell carcinoma (stars),
secondary to the compression of the left renal vein causing increased back pressure.
(C and D) Transvaginal sonography (TVS) with Doppler, dilated pelvic vessels on left side.
Neurofibromas
CECT may reveal multiple, soft tissue density, well defined, fusiform/oval conglomerated
lesions along the course of the sacral nerves which cause enlargement of the neural
foramina through which they exit ([Fig. 23]). Neurofibromas should not be mistaken for pelvic lymphadenopathy.
Fig. 23 Known case of pelvic neurofibromatosis (A and B): axial and (C) coronal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) sections: hypodense, ovoid
soft tissue density lesions in the presacral region (long arrows) and widened sacral
foramina (small arrows). These should not be mistaken for pelvic lymphadenopathy.
Procidentia
Like MR, MDCT can demonstrate simple or complex organ descent ([Fig. 24]) in all pelvic compartments and facilitate comprehensive planning by the surgeon;
thus, increasing the success rate of the surgical intervention.
Fig. 24 (A–C) In a nulliparous woman with a malignant ovarian tumor (red arrow) multiplanar reconstructions
show complete prolapse of uterus (white arrows). Ascitic fluid was seen in a peritoneocele
(yellow stars) due to pelvic floor weakness in the rectovaginal region. (C) Rectocele (yellow arrow) was also seen.
