When I began my involvement with diagnostic sonography nearly 4 decades ago, this chapter would have been considered ludicrous. Virtually all of sonography was considered to be either an artifact or a pitfall. Clinicians did not take this modality seriously,…
Summary of Key Points Ultrasound (US) has an important role in planning and guiding many gynecologic interventions. Prior to endometrial ablation, US may be used to detect focal lesions (e.g., polyps or leiomyomas), assess for tubal disease such as hydrosalpinx,…
Summary of Key Points Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a problem-solving tool and has greater accuracy and specificity for characterization of gynecologic masses than sonography or computed tomography (CT), but should generally be performed after pelvic sonography. High resolutionT2-weighted sequences…
Summary of Key Points Endoanal sonography has an important role in the assessment of the anal sphincter in patients with fecal incontinence. Sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvic floor can be useful in evaluation of women with…
Summary of Key Points Reproductive tract anomalies may present at different stages of life. Most abnormalities of the external genitalia are obvious at birth, whereas obstructive and nonobstructive lesions of the reproductive tract may be evident at birth or present…
Summary of Key Points The incidence of ectopic pregnancy (EP) in the United States is increasing as a result of an increase in the number of patients with risk factors as well as an increase in diagnosis due to earlier…
Summary of Key Points Transvaginal sonography (TVS) provides valuable information as part of the initial evaluation of an infertile patient. EVS has an essential role in monitoring endometrial thickness and morphology as well as follicular development during hormonal stimulation. EVS…
Summary of Key Points Normal fallopian tubes are difficult to visualize with ultrasound unless surrounded by small amounts of free peritoneal fluid. Classic sonographic signs that help distinguish a dilated fallopian tube from other cystic adnexal masses include waist, incomplete…
Summary of Key Points A simple cyst less than 3 cm in the ovary of a premenopausal patient is best termed a follicle and is a normal finding. A simple cyst less than 1 cm in the ovary of a postmenopausal patient…
Summary of Key Points Pelvic pain in the reproductive age patient often presents a diagnostic challenge as there are many causes, including both gynecologic and nongynecologic disorders with overlap in clinical symptoms. Pregnancy status must always be determined to exclude…