The Pelvis

Abstract

This chapter reviews emergency imaging of the pelvis, and is divided into sections for the male and female patient, and for common imaging of both genders. The non-pregnant female pelvis is initially discussed, with a review of abnormal uterine bleeding in the pre- and post-menopausal patient, fibroids, cervical cancer, endometritis, functional ovarian cysts, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, teratomas, pelvic inflammatory disease, tubo-ovarian abscess, ovarian torsion, and ovarian masses and cysts. This is followed by a review of the pregnant patient, including evaluation of the pregnancy itself, and of the acute abdomen in pregnancy. Emergency imaging of the male pelvis is then discussed, with a review of epididymo-orchitis, testicular abscess, torsion of the testis and appendix testis, Fournier’s gangrene, scrotal trauma, palpable scrotal lesions, varicoceles, hydroceles, the undescended testis, prostatic infection and abscess, and benign prostatic hypertrophy, Non-gender specific emergencies are next reviewed starting with trauma, and include pelvic osseous trauma, traumatic pelvic hemorrhage and bladder trauma. We finish up with a discussion of additional bladder emergencies including bladder fistulae and cancer.