MR imaging and CT of the female pelvis: radiologic-pathologic correlation

For imaging of the female pelvis, transvaginal ultrasound is the method of choice. Magnetic resonance imaging and CT provide important additional info rmation in various disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging is superior to CT in diagnosing benign and malignant disorders of the uterus. The same holds for the characterization of adnexal masses, where MR imaging reliably diffe rentiates dermoids, ovarian fibromas, and most endometriomas. Differentiati on of other benign and malignant ovarian tumors by CT and MR imaging is bas ed on identical morphological criteria; no superiority of MR imaging over C T has been established. Computed tomography is still the preferred imaging modality for staging ovarian cancer;A thorough knowledge of the pathomorpho logical changes associated with the different disorders of the female pelvi s not only helps to choose the proper imaging modality and examination prot ocol. but also improves image interpretation.