Pelvic anatomy and MRI

An in-depth knowledge of the anatomy of the pelvis and pelvic sidewall is necessary before a gynaecologist can even contemplate making an initial examination and start management in cases of pelvic pathology or malignancy. This chapter provides basic information on gross pelvic anatomy structures that are of clinical relevance and discusses their correlation with medical imaging, especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is an ideal non-invasive technique in the assessment of normal anatomy and tissue characterization of pelvic pathology. The excellent soft-tissue contrast and the ability to direct multiplanar imaging and to demonstrate blood vessels without the use of intravenous contrast make MRI superior to other imaging modalities in the evaluation of pelvic abnormalities. The anatomical relation of the visceral organs, the differential zonal anatomy of the corpus uteri and the cyclical endometrial changes during the menstrual cycle are well depicted with MRI.