Adnexal mass evaluation in the emergency department

Women patients presenting to the emergency department with abdominal pelvic pain and an adnexal mass are clinical challenges. Adnexal masses can arise from the ovaries, fallopian tubes, broad ligaments, or the suspensory liga ments of the ovary and may occur in women of any age. They may be caused by both gynecologic and nongynecologic sources. This article will review the causes of the adnexal masses and the tools available to determine the etiol ogy. Presentations which require urgent evaluation will also be reviewed.