ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Acute Pelvic Pain in the Reproductive Age Group: 2023 Update.

This review focuses on the initial imaging in the reproductive age adult population with acute pelvic pain, including patients with positive and negative beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) levels with suspected gynecological and nongynecological etiology. For all patients, a combination of transabdominal and transvaginal pelvic ultrasound with Doppler is usually appropriate as an initial imaging study. If nongynecological etiology in patients with negative ß-hCG is suspected, then CT of the abdomen and pelvis with or without contrast is also usually appropriate. In patients with positive ß-hCG and suspected nongynecological etiology, CT of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast and MRI of the abdomen and pelvis without contrast may be appropriate. In patients with negative ß-hCG and suspected gynecological etiology, CT of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast, MRI of pelvis without contrast, or MRI of pelvis with and without contrast may be appropriate. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

Gynaecological Causes of Acute Pelvic Pain: Common and Not-So-Common Imaging Findings.

In female patients, acute pelvic pain can be caused by gynaecological, gastrointestinal, and urinary tract pathologies. Due to the variety of diagnostic possibilities, the correct assessment of these patients may be challenging. The most frequent gynaecological causes of acute pelvic pain in non-pregnant women are pelvic inflammatory disease, ruptured ovarian cysts, ovarian torsion, and degeneration or torsion of uterine leiomyomas. On the other hand, spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, and placental disorders are the most frequent gynaecological entities to cause acute pelvic pain in pregnant patients. Ultrasound (US) is usually the first-line diagnostic technique because of its sensitivity across most common aetiologies and its lack of radiation exposure. Computed tomography (CT) may be performed if ultrasound findings are equivocal or if a gynaecologic disease is not initially suspected. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an extremely useful second-line technique for further characterisation after US or CT. This pictorial review aims to review the spectrum of gynaecological entities that may manifest as acute pelvic pain in the emergency department and to describe the imaging findings of these gynaecological conditions obtained with different imaging techniques.

Transvaginal Ultrasound Diagnosis of Ovarian Ectopic Pregnancy.

Primary ovarian pregnancies are rare and comprise less than one percent of all ectopic pregnancies. Diagnosis can be difficult as an ovarian ectopic pregnancy may share similar features on ultrasound with those of a corpus luteal cyst. Findings on transvaginal ultrasound, including a hyperechoic ring, may denote the presence of a gestational sac and therefore an ovarian ectopic pregnancy. Ultrasonographic findings, as well as a strong suspicion of an ovarian ectopic pregnancy, are critical. The report reviews the case of a 23-year-old primigravida with first trimester bleeding, an elevated human chorionic gonadotropin, an ovarian cyst, and no intrauterine pregnancy detected on ultrasound. The evaluation, diagnosis, and surgical management of an ovarian ectopic pregnancy are discussed.

Sonographic Findings of a Gynecological Cause of Acute Pelvic Pain - A Systematic Review.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to use ultrasonographic data to rule out and distinguish diseases that cause acute pelvic pain. Material and method: The literature was reviewed using a systematic search of the databases Google Scholars and PubMed, as well as through hand searching. We looked through a total of 35 articles, but only 26 were selected after preliminary screening. Furthermore, 14 articles were left out because they required a membership, copyright clearance, or featured non-English references. There were a total of 12 articles included in the final revuew. Among all the study-related articles, only original research studies and one systematic review that sonographically explored the gynecological etiology of acute pelvic pain were selected. Results: Acute pelvic pain in women might be difficult to identify between gynecologic and non-gynecologic causes based solely on patient history and examination. Advanced imaging, like ultrasound, aids in determining the reason. Pelvic inflammatory disease can be difficult to diagnose, and clinicians should use a low threshold for starting presumptive treatment in order to avoid significant long-term effects such as infertility. Conclusions: Pelvic pain can be acute, chronic or functional. Imaging investigations such as CT, ultrasonography, and MRI can assist in establishing a diagnosis. Particularly ultrasound scanning makes it possible to arrive at a diagnosis with a high degree of precision.

Unusual Case of a Parasitic Extra-Uterine Leiomyoma Presenting With Lower Abdominal Pain.

Parasitic fibroids are a rare type of extrauterine benign tumors that may be spontaneous or iatrogenic in origin and often difficult to diagnose due to their various presentations. We report an unusual case of a parasitic leiomyoma in a 33-year-old nulliparous woman with remote pelvic history who presented to our institution with sudden-onset lower abdominal pain. We performed an exploratory laparotomy, which revealed a 6.3x4.6 cm mass in the space of the adnexa of the right parametrium. Histopathological examination revealed features compatible with a leiomyoma. It is clear that physicians need to assess clinical findings and imaging techniques in order to establish a correct diagnosis of parasitic myomas, even when a history of myomectomy or a laparoscopic morcellation is absent.

Recognizing the features of Isolated Fallopian Tube Torsion on CT and MRI and interobserver agreement: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Isolated Fallopian tube torsion (IFTT) is a rare cause of acute pelvic pain in women of reproductive age. Preoperative diagnosis is rarely made, even though an early surgery is necessary to preserve women's fertility. This study aims to identify simple and reproductible imaging features for the diagnosis of IFTT on sectional imaging. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study on patients diagnosed with IFTT in our center between January 2008 and December 2021. The CTs and MRIs of 16 patients with surgically proven IFTT were retrospectively and independently reviewed by two radiologists to identify the relevant findings for the diagnosis. RESULTS: The median patient age was 29 years (range: 13-63 years). Only four patients (25 %) had a conservatory treatment. Two patterns of IFTT were identified on CT and MRI. The first pattern (n = 6, 37 %) consisted of a thin-walled hydrosalpinx, U- or C-shaped, with a median diameter of 3 cm. The second pattern (n = 10, 63 %) consisted of an extra-ovarian cyst adjacent to a soft tissue mass containing the twisted tube and vessels. In 15 patients (94 %), the ipsilateral ovary was of normal size. Hematosalpinx was observed in 3 patients with necrosis of the tube on pathological reports (19 %). Interobserver agreement was substantial or good for all criteria. CONCLUSIONS: An association of simple and reproductible features can support the diagnosis of IFTT on sectional imaging in an emergency context: the identification of these features may avoid a delayed surgical treatment, which could otherwise compromise women's fertility.

Acute pelvic pain: A pictorial review with magnetic resonance imaging.

Acute uterine emergencies constitute both obstetric and gynecologic conditions. The superior image resolution, superior soft-tissue characterization, and lack of ionizing radiation make magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) preferable over ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomography (CT) in investigating uterine emergencies. Although USG is the first-line imaging modality and is easily accessible, it has limitations. USG is an operator dependent and limited by patient factors such as obesity and muscle atrophy. CT is limited by its risk of teratogenicity in pregnant females, poor tissue differentiation, and radiation effect. The non-specific findings on CT may lead to misinterpretation of the pathology. MRI overcomes all these limitations and is emerging as the most crucial imaging modality in the emergency room (ER). The evolving 3D MR sequences further reduce the acquisition times, expanding its ER role. Although MRI is not the first-line imaging modality, it is a problem-solving tool when the ultrasound and CT are inconclusive. This pictorial review discusses the various MRI techniques used in uterine imaging and the appearances of distinct etiologies of uterine emergencies across different MRI sequences.

Identification and Treatment of Acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and Associated Sequelae.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an ascending polymicrobial infection of the upper female genital tract. The presentation of PID varies from asymptomatic cases to severe sepsis. The diagnosis of PID is often one of exclusion. Primary treatment for PID includes broad-spectrum antibiotics with coverage against gonorrhea, chlamydia, and common anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. If not clinically improved by antibiotics, percutaneous drain placement can promote efficient source control, as is often the case with large tubo-ovarian abscesses. Ultimately, even with treatment, PID can result in long-term morbidity, including chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Postmenopausal Acute Pelvic Pain.

Acute pelvic pain is a common presenting complaint in both the emergency room and outpatient settings. Pelvic pain of gynecologic origin in postmenopausal women occurs less frequently than in premenopausal women; however, it has important differences in etiology. The most common causes of postmenopausal pelvic pain from gynecologic origin are ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian neoplasm. Other etiologies of pelvic pain are attributable to urinary, gastrointestinal, and vascular systems. As the optimal imaging modality varies for these etiologies, it is important to narrow the differential diagnosis before choosing the initial diagnostic imaging examination. Transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound are the best initial imaging techniques when the differential is primarily of gynecologic origin. CT with intravenous (IV) contrast is more useful if the differential diagnosis remains broad. MRI without IV contrast or MRI without and with IV contrast, as well as CT without IV contrast may also be used for certain differential considerations. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

ACR appropriateness criteria postmenopausal acute pelvic pain

Acute pelvic pain is a common presenting complaint in both the emergency room and outpatient settings. Pelvic pain of gynecologic origin in postmenopausal women occurs less frequently than in premenopausal women; however, it has important differences in etiology. The most common causes of postmenopausal pelvic pain from gynecologic origin are ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian neoplasm. Other etiologies of pelvic pain are attributable to urinary, gastrointestinal, and vascular systems. As the optimal imaging modality varies for these etiologies, it is important to narrow the differential diagnosis before choosing the initial diagnostic imaging examination. Transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound are the best initial imaging techniques when the differential is primarily of gynecologic origin. CT with intravenous (IV) contrast is more useful if the differential diagnosis remains broad. MRI without IV contrast or MRI without and with IV contrast, as well as CT without IV contrast may also be used for certain differential considerations. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Bilateral torsion of fallopian tubes with bilateral hydrosalpinx: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Isolated fallopian tube torsion is a very rare cause of acute abdominal pain in women and, as can be expected, its being bilateral is an extremely rare condition. It is more common in women in reproductive age compared to other age groups. Symptoms, physical examination, imaging and laboratory findings being nonspecific makes it difficult to establish the correct diagnosis and often the diagnosis can be made during surgery. Despite being a very rare condition in general, it is important in terms of preservation of tube and thus the fertility especially in women of reproductive age with early diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, keeping in mind the fallopian tube torsion among the differential diagnoses in women presenting with acute abdominal pain will contribute to early diagnosis and treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 38-year-old white Arabian woman, gravida 1, parity 0, abort 1, sought medical advice in our outpatient clinic with a complaint of lower abdominal pain that had started 2 days earlier. The pain had first started as mild cramps, which then suddenly intensified nearly 2 hours before her presentation to our clinic, spread to the groin and femur, more prominent on the right side, and became an ongoing pain. As preoperative diagnoses of the patient, ovarian cyst rupture and ectopic pregnancy were suspected, and fallopian tube torsion was also suspected due to the normal appearance of the ovaries and the appearance of the hydrosalpinx on ultrasonography. The patient underwent laparotomy with a Pfannenstiel incision. Both tubes had hydrosalpinx, and the fimbrial ends were blunt and obliterated. Bilateral salpingectomy was performed because the right tube had a prominent necrotic appearance, and there was a significant hydrosalpinx in both tubes. CONCLUSION: Bilateral fallopian tube torsion should be considered among the differential diagnoses in women presenting with acute pelvic pain.

Laparoscopic assessment and transvaginal reparation of post-coital vaginal cuff dehiscence with bowel evisceration: a case report.

Vaginal cuff dehiscence (VCD) is a rare postoperative complication of total hysterectomy. Presenting symptom is acute pelvic or abdominal pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Immediate recognition and surgical repair are crucial for successful management. A 40-year-old para 1+0 presented with complaints of pelvic pain associated with sexual activity, three months after a total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Speculum examination revealed the presence of bowel into the vagina. Diagnostic laparoscopic assessment combined with VCD repair through the transvaginal route. The occurrence of VCD after laparoscopic hysterectomy has been linked to overuse of electrocautery, prolonged inflammatory response and suturing methods. Laparoscopic, abdominal and vaginal approaches are the routes for repairing VCD. However, it depends on the clinical presentation and surgeon expertise. Careful history, and physical examination are vital factors in guiding clinicians to diagnose and treat VCD. Nevertheless, an ideal modality remains variable to each case.

[Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features of acute pelvic pain in female patients hospitalized in the Yaoundé Gynaecology-Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital]. / Aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques des algies pelviennes aiguës de la femme à l'Hôpital Gynéco-Obstétrique et Pédiatrique de Yaoundé (HGOPY).

INTRODUCTION: Acute pelvic pain is an important cause of morbi-mortality. The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features of acute pelvic pain in Yaoundé. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive study with collection of prospective data in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the Yaoundé Gynaecology-Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital over the period 1st April-31st July 2015. We included all female subjects admitted for pelvic pain whose course was less than one month and who agreed to participate in the study. All women who were in the third trimester of pregnancy or in the post-partum period were excluded. Epi info software, version 3.5.4 was used to analyze data. Data were shown as frequency and percentage. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 5915 women presented to the Yaoundé Gynaecology-Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, of whom 125 (2.11%) had acute pelvic pain. The average age of patients was 29.5 ± 6.9 years. Pain was caused by upper genital tract infections (36.8%) and ectopic pregnancy (18.4%). Most patients received medical treatment (92.8%), associated with antibiotics in 65.5% of cases, anti-inflammatory drugs in 56.9% of cases and analgesics in 39.7% of cases. Surgery was performed in 25 (20%) patients via laparotomy (80%) and coelioscopy (20%). Surgery was indicated in patients with ectopic pregnancy (76% of cases). Regression of pain was obtained in 99% of cases. CONCLUSION: Acute pelvic pain mainly affected young women with upper genital tract infections and ectopic pregnancy. In the case of ectopic pregnancy surgical treatment via laparotomy was the gold standard treatment.

Acute pelvic pain following miscarriage heterotopic pregnancy must be excluded: case report.

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic pregnancies are increasing in prevalence and this case highlights the importance of excluding the diagnosis in patients with pelvic pain following miscarriage. A known pre-existing intrauterine pregnancy can be falsely reassuring and delay the diagnosis of a potentially life-threatening concurrent ectopic pregnancy. CASE PRESENTATION: In this report, we describe a case of spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy in a woman who had initially presented with pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding, and was diagnosed on pelvic ultrasound with a missed miscarriage; a non-viable intrauterine pregnancy. She re-presented 7 days later with worsening pelvic pain and bleeding, and a repeat pelvic ultrasound identified a ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy in addition to an incomplete miscarriage of the previously identified intrauterine pregnancy. She underwent an emergency laparoscopy where a ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy was confirmed. CONCLUSION: Being a time critical diagnosis with the potential for an adverse outcome, it is important that the emergency physician considers heterotopic pregnancy as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with pelvic pain following a recent miscarriage. The same principle should apply to pelvic pain in the context of a known viable intrauterine pregnancy or recent termination of pregnancy. A combination of clinical assessment, beta human chorionic gonadotropin levels, point of care ultrasound and formal transvaginal ultrasound must be utilized together in these situations to explicitly exclude heterotopic pregnancy.

Utility of MR Imaging in Abdominopelvic Emergencies.

Acute abdominopelvic pain, a common symptom in emergency department patients, is challenging given the spectrum of differential diagnoses encompassing multiple organ systems, ranging from benign self-limiting to life-threatening and emergent. Diagnostic imaging is critical given its high accuracy and management guidance. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan is preferred given its widespread availability and speed of acquisition. MR imaging may be appropriate, usually performed for specific indications with tailored protocols. It is accurate for diagnosis and may be an alternative to CT. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages, protocols, and appearances of MR imaging of common diagnoses.

[Acute Pelvic pain in women-gynecological causes]. / Akutes Abdomen der Frau: gynäkologische Ursachen.

BACKGROUND: Acute pelvic pain in women may be due to gynecological, gastrointestinal, and urinary tract disorders. Ectopic pregnancy (EP), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and ruptured ovarian cysts are the most common gynecological causes for acute pelvic pain and their diagnosis can be challenging. METHODS: Patient history, clinical examination, and blood tests as well as patient age and potential pregnancy status help to establish the correct diagnosis. While sonography (US) remains the primary imaging modality of choice, computed tomography (CT) plays an important role in patients with indeterminate US evaluation and for treatment planning. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic imaging is pivotal to differentiate potentially life- and fertility-threatening conditions from those that can be treated conservatively. Profound knowledge of the most common gynecological pathologies allows prompt and correct radiological diagnosis and assists in proper treatment planning.

Teratoma quístico maduro torcido como causa de abdomen agudo en el embarazo. Reporte de un caso / Mature cystic teratoma torsion as a cause of acute pelvic pain in pregnancy. Case Report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: Los teratomas son el tipo más común de tumor de células germinales. El teratoma quístico maduro representa 95% de todos los teratomas ováricos y es casi invariablemente benigno. El hallazgo de una lesión quística anexial simple o compleja en el embarazo es excepcional (5%). La manifestación de teratomas maduros durante ese estado de la vida reproductiva varía de 30-50%. La torsión anexial es poco frecuente e indudablemente se requiere intervención quirúrgica. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 29 años, que acudió al Hospital General Dr. Miguel Silva de Morelia, Michoacán, con embarazo de 15.2 semanas y dolor pélvico agudo. El ultrasonido reportó datos inespecíficos, por lo que se recurrió a la resonancia magnética, donde se observó una tumoración anexial derecha, bien definida y delimitada, de bordes regulares, de aproximadamente 10 x 9 x 9 cm. Se practicó una laparotomía exploradora, previo protocolo quirúrgico, que evidenció un tumor ovárico derecho, de 14 x 10 cm, con afectación vascular; por tal motivo se decidió efectuar la salpingo-ooforectomía derecha. La pieza quirúrgica midió 16 x 11 x 7 cm, el estudio histopatológico reportó un teratoma quístico maduro con afectación vascular. La evolución posquirúrgica fue favorable. CONCLUSIÓN: El abdomen agudo en el embarazo, por torsión anexial, es un suceso excepcional. Es importante establecer el diagnóstico acertado, para ofrecer el tratamiento adecuado.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Teratomas are the most common type of germ cell tumor. Mature cystic teratoma represents more than 95% of all ovarian teratomas and is almost invariably benign. The finding of a simple or complex adnexal cystic lesion in pregnancy is not an uncommon event (5%), with a presentation of mature teratoma during gestation in 30-50%. Although the mass torsion is not common, when it occurs its indicated treatment, surgery. CLINICAL CASE: A 29-year-old woman who attended the General Hospital Miguel Silva in Morelia, Michoacán, for pregnancy of 15.2 weeks of gestation plus acute pelvic pain. Pelvic ultrasound was performed with insufficient report, for which reason magnetic resonance was requested, in which well-defined and limited right adnexal tumor is reported with regular borders of approximately 10 x 9 x 9 cm. She underwent exploratory laparotomy with surgical protocol, a right ovarian tumor of 14 x 10 cm with vascular involvement was found. Right salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. The surgical specimen measured 16 x 11 x 7 cm, the histopathological study, reported mature cystic teratoma with vascular compromise. Favorable post-surgical evolution of the patient CONCLUSION: Acute pelvic pain during pregnancy secondary to an adnexal torsion is infrequent. It must have an accurate diagnostic approach for a proper treatment.

Unexpected Findings During Evaluation of Acute Pelvic Pain With Transvaginal Sonography.

Transvaginal sonography is the first-line imaging modality used to evaluate acute female pelvic pain in the emergency setting because of its accessibility, lack of ionizing radiation, and excellent ability to identify reproductive tract disorders. Although the intent of transvaginal sonography is to evaluate the reproductive organs, imaging of adjacent pelvic structures is an important part of every transvaginal sonographic examination. Gastrointestinal, urologic, and vascular disorders incidentally scanned on transvaginal sonography may explain the pain for which the examination is being performed. In such cases, transvaginal sonography may play an important role in the diagnostic process if the clinician is aware of the transvaginal sonographic appearance of these entities.

Acute Gynecologic Disorders.

Premenopausal women with acute pelvic pain comprise a significant percentage of patients who present to the emergency room. Etiologies can be gynecologic, urologic, gastrointestinal, or vascular. Signs and symptoms are often nonspecific and overlapping. The choice of imaging modality is determined by the clinically suspected differential diagnosis. Ultrasound (US) is the preferred imaging modality for suspected obstetric or gynecologic disorders. CT is more useful when gastrointestinal or urinary tract pathology is likely. MR imaging is rarely used in the emergent setting, except to exclude appendicitis in pregnant women. This article presents a comprehensive review of imaging of acute gynecologic disorders.