Update of Ultrasound in Gynecology: Adnexa

Kim, Ari

Abstract

Ultrasound, in fact, is the preferred imaging modality in the study of the female pelvis, and provides information of basic importance in detecting and characterizing pelvic masses of uterine, ovarian, or adnexal origin, providing also criteria useful in predicting their benign vs. malignant nature. Ultrasound plays a very important role in the evaluation of patients with acute pelvic pain. It allows identification of ovarian torsion and has both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in patients with various gynecologic problems. In female infertility area, ultrasound can be used to identify and document in the integrity of the reproductive tract, to detect pathological changes that may cause or contribute female infertility, to monitor cyclic changes of pelvic organs, to document normal physiology or pathological situations, and to guide infertility treatment. This article reviewed various examination techniques, in the clinical indications, and imaging findings for ultrasound studies of the female pelvis, especially in adnexa.