Radiology - recognising common pathologies of the female genital tract Flashcards
A
Infundibulum
B
fundus
C
Fallopian tube
D
Fimbrae
E
Broad ligament of ovary
F
endometrium
g
Myometrium
h
vagina
i
Cervix
j
Body of uterus
k
Ovary
l
Vaginal vault
Why is important to have a full bladder for a trans abdominal ultrasound scan of the uterus?
The US waves can easily pass through fluid resulting in an ‘acoustic window’ allowing for a clearer image of the uterus and ovaries etc.
What colour is the endometrial stipe on an ultrasound scan?
White/brighter- it is hyper echoic in relation to fat
What colour is the endometrium in an ultrasound scan?
It is darker, it is hypo echoic in comparison to fat
What are the pros of a transvaginal ultrasound?
- Better image of the uterus overall
* Doesn’t require a full bladder
What are the cons of a transvaginal ultrasound?
- harder to see the ovaries
* More invasive
What are the cons of MRI for imaging of the female genital tract?
- No metal - large magnet
- Problem for those with claustrophobia
- Loud
- Takes a long time
- Not so readily available
What are the pros of MRI for imaging of the female genital tract?
- Good for soft tissue detail
* Best resolution out of imaging options and good for pathology
Explain the different colours on an MRI scan of the female genital tract with T2 sequence
- Bright means fluid
- Endometrial bright
- Junctional zone dark
- Myometrium in the middle
Label
a- junctional zone b- internal os c- endocervix d- external os e- cervical stroma f- myometrium g- endometrium
What are the pros of using CT for imaging of the female genital tract?
- Quick
* Good for seeing any metastases
What are the cons of using CT for imaging of the female genital tract?
- Irradiating
* not the best for resolution but can use IV contrast
Benign ovarian pathologies
- Ovarian follicles
- Dermoid cysts
- Haemorrhagic cysts
- Endometriomas
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Ovarian torsion
Why may the ovaries not be seen on ultrasound?
- Bowel in the way
- Fat
- if post menopausal they shrink