Role of Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Acute Pelvic Pain in Nonpregnant Reproductive Age Patients

Abstract

In an emergency setting pelvic ultrasound is the tool of choice for the evaluation of the patients presenting with acute pelvic pain. It has a high sensitivity and specificity for detection of pelvic pathology, low cost, widespread availability and lack of ionizing radiation. This article presents a variety of case scenarios regarding the nonpregnant female of reproductive age presenting with acute pelvic and lower abdominal pain. By using illustrative images, the reader will be able to differentiate between the most common causes of abdominal and/or pelvic pain and identify typical B-mode and color Doppler ultrasound findings and CT images that require immediate treatment, while minimizing the performance of unnecessary additional imaging and invasive procedures.

Sonographic Evaluation of Acute Pelvic Pain

“…Nadah Zafar et al, in their study showed the associated symptoms to be nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, flank pain, dysuria, haematuria, frequency, urgency, vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge. 2 Rochelle F. Andreotti et al shown that the clinical diagnosis of acute pelvic pain in the female patient can be challenging because of nonspecific signs and symptoms, and imaging has been found to be valuable in narrowing the differential diagnosis. 6 In our study appendix is most commonly involved in acute pelvic pain and is seen in 38% cases.…”

“…a cost-effective and efficient strategy, such as ultrasound needs to be employed. 2 Ultrasound is the technique of choice for investigation of pelvic pain, as it affords reliable diagnosis of a range of gynaecologic conditions. This is because it is readily available, non-invasive, portability, non-ionizing radiation is used and relatively low price compared with other cross-sectional imaging techniques like computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.…”

Sonographic Findings in Females of Reproductive Age With Acute Pelvic Pain

“…Because of the etiology of acute pelvic pain in a woman of non-pregnant age of fertility, an effective, wellorganized technique should be used, such as ultrasounds in gastrointestinal, gynecological, urological, vascular systems (5) .…”