11. Imaging Of Reproductive Tract

Question 1

What is the purpose of a hysterosalpingogram?

Answer 1

See if the Fallopian tubes are patent and if the uterine cavity is normal
Usually for women undergoing infertility investigations

Question 2

What are the different types of ovarian cysts?

Answer 2

Simple cyst
Haemorrhaging cyst
Endometrioma
Mature cystic teratoma
Any other cyst - possibly malignant

Question 3

What are the two types of functional ovarian cysts?

Answer 3

Follicular cyst

Corpus luteum cyst

Question 4

What is a follicular cyst?

Answer 4

Dominant Graafian follicle sometimes fails to ovulate and does not involute
When it becomes larger than 3cm it is a cyst
Usually 3-6cm
Simple unilocular, anechoic cysts with thin, smooth wall
Usually resolve spontaneously

Question 5

What is a corpus luteal cyst?

Answer 5

Corpus luteum may seal and fill with fluid or blood, forming a corpus luteum cyst

Question 6

What can increase risk of developing corpus luteum cysts?

Answer 6

Use of fertility drugs that induce ovulation

Question 7

What are mature cystic ovarian teratoma?

Answer 7

Encapsulated tumours with mature tissue or organ components
Composed of well-differentiated derivations from at least 2 of the 3 germ cell layers
Contain developmentally mature skin complete with hair follicles and sweat glands

Question 8

Who is at high risk of developing ovarian cysts?

Answer 8

Postmenopausal
Personal familial history of breast or ovarian cancer
BRCA-1 or 2 carriers