Sonographic imaging of the paediatric female pelvis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Radiology
• Gynecologic Imaging
• Embryology

Background:

• Pelvic ultrasound is essential for managing various pediatric gynecological conditions.
• Understanding female genital system embryology and normal morphology is key.
• This review categorizes pelvic pathologies by clinical presentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To guide radiologists in developing imaging plans for pediatric pelvic diagnostic dilemmas.
• To review female genital system embryology and normal morphology.
• To categorize pelvic pathologies based on clinical presentation.

Main Methods:

• Review of embryology and normal morphology of the female genital system.
• Categorization of pelvic pathologies (ambiguous genitalia, puberty disorders, masses, pain).
• Discussion of ultrasound's role and comparison with CT and MRI.

Main Results:

• Ultrasound is the primary screening tool for pediatric pelvic conditions.
• Specific imaging approaches are discussed for conditions like ambiguous genitalia, precocious/delayed puberty, amenorrhea, masses, and pain.
• The utility of CT and MRI is evaluated in relation to ultrasound.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists can create effective imaging plans for pediatric pelvic conditions using this framework.
• Ultrasound is often sufficient, but other modalities have specific indications.
• A systematic approach aids in accurate diagnosis and management.