Clinical History
Dyspareunia
Purulent vaginal discharge
Imaging Findings
Dyspareunia
Purulent vaginal discharge
Discussion
PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE
This condition is defined as an acute clinical syndrome associated
with ascending spread of micro-organisms, unrelated to pregnancy
or surgery, from the vagina or cervix to the endometrium,
fallopian tubes and / or contiguous structures.
Highest incidence of PID is seen among sexually active women
in their teens, with 75% cases being under 25 years of age.
The commonest organisms responsible are Chlamydia trachomatis
and Neisseria gonnorrhoeae (60%). Actinomycotic PID is confined
to women using intrauterine contraception. Awareness of this
curable, but potentially lethal condition, will aid diagnosis.
Radiological findings are non-specific but are out of proportion
to what may be apparent from symptomatology. CT shows diffusely
enhancing ill-defined pelvic mass which may be difficult to
differentiate from malignancy. MR imaging yields a better
insight into the pattern of spread.
Differential Diagnosis List