CASE 231 Published on 21.05.2000

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Section

Genital (female) imaging

Case Type

Clinical Cases

Authors

Redla S, Sikdar T, Strickland NH

Patient

48 years, female

Categories
No Area of Interest ; Imaging Technique CT
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
PELVIC ACTINOMYCOSIS
Final Diagnosis
PELVIC ACTINOMYCOSIS
Case information
URL: https://eurorad.org/case/231
DOI: 10.1594/EURORAD/CASE.231
ISSN: 1563-4086