B8.011 Prework 1: Imaging of the Female GU Flashcards
linea terminalis
arcute line of ilium + iliopectineal line + superior pubic rami
divides true pelvis (lower) from false pelvis (upper)
uterine anatomic location
in true pelvis between the bladder anteriorly and the rectosigmoid colon posteriorly
projects into the peritoneal cavity
-anterior reflection
-posterior reflection
posterior cul de sac
space between uterus and rectum at the posterior reflection
most dependent location of peritoneum
fluid collection can occur here
components of the uterus
fundus
body
cervix
vagina
layers of the uterine wall
myometrium- thicker, muscular
endometrium- thinner, more central, brighter on T2 MRI
adnexal anatomy
ovaries: 5-6 cm, filled with cystic lesions (follicles)
broad ligament
imaging studies preferred for the female GU system
US
MRI
CT
fluoroscopy
common conditions/pathologies of the female GU system evaluated by imaging
OB dysfunctional uterine bleeding/ pelvic pain infertility trauma neoplasia
US in GU imaging
workhorse
no radiation, low cost, readily available
uses of US
dysfunctional uterine bleeding and pelvic pain
infertility
neoplasia
types of GU US
transabdominal
transvaginal
usually do both to see as much as possible
transabdominal US pros
wider field of view
easier to obtain
transabdominal US cons
less detail
limited in large patients or patients with an empty bladder
transvaginal US pros
higher detail
transvaginal US cons
invasive
difficult to obtain in non-sexually active/ post menopausal
probe care
MRI in GU imagine
racehorse
pros: no radiation, high resolution
cons: high cost, long exam times, not readily available
uses of MRI
dysfunctional uterine bleeding and pelvic pain
infertility
neoplasia
T2 MRI
fluid is white
CT in GU imaging
limited use
pros: fast, readily available
cons: poor resolution of the uterus and ovaries, high radiation dose
used of CT
trauma
neoplasia
fluoroscopy in GU imaging
highly specialized use- hysterosalpingography
pros: evaluates the patency of the fallopian tubes
cons: invasive
uses of fluoroscopy
infertility
steps in female GU imaging
- US is the best general purpose imaging study to order in a female pt with suspected gyn pathology
- MRI provides exquisite detail of the female pelvis and serves as a reliable second line, problem solving imaging modality after US
