Multidetector row computed tomography with volume rendering--an aid to understanding pelvic anatomy and disease

Recent progress in computed tomography (CT) imaging has included multidetector row CT and volume rendering 3-dimensional post processing platforms. The growth in each of these areas has been synergistic and has offered new avenues for the formation and interpretation of diagnostic CT imaging studies. There is untapped added information in a conventional 2-dimensional axial planar pelvis study that may be harnessed with these tools. This article seeks to review the principles and application of these techniques when images of the normal pelvis are obtained. It is hoped the reader will gain insight into the design of such studies and an enhanced appreciation of the anatomic features routinely obtained on conventional CT studies.