Computed tomographic evaluation of benign and inflammatory disorders of the female pelvis

The use and importance of CT in the evaluation of patients who have inflammatory conditions of the pelvis has increased in recent years. Although its role may be limited in women of childbearing age, CT may provide definitive diagnostic information concerning benign pelvic masses frequently present in this age group. CT is particularly valuable in detecting infectious complications in the postpartum and postoperative pelvis. In patients who have known or suspected inflammatory conditions of the bowel, CT is the imaging modality of choice to identify extraluminal complications such as abscess formation. CT is frequently diagnostic in cases of diverticulitis and appendicitis and is of recognized value in guiding percutaneous drainage procedures, often sparing emergent surgical intervention.