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Published on: April 17, 2019
Isolated pelvic fluid in males on outpatient magnetic resonance imaging examinations: differences in incidence based
Michael G Fox1, Jefferson I Balin, Tausha Stephens
1From the *Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia Health System; †Department of Radiology, University of Virginia Health System, Durham VA Medical Center; and ‡Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA.
Purpose:
Determine the incidence and amount of isolated pelvic fluid in males, stratified by age, on outpatient pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations performed for lower back or extremity pain.
Methods:
After institutional review board approval, 161 pelvic MRIs performed on males for musculoskeletal or neurologic indications over an 18-month period were retrospectively reviewed for isolated pelvic fluid by 2 radiologists. Patients with a potential etiology for the fluid were excluded. Volume and maximal 2-dimensional measurements of fluid were calculated. Statistical analysis included logistic regression, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and χ tests.
Results:
Twenty (44.4%) of 45 patients 5 to 29 years old, 5 (10%) of 50 patients 30 to 49 years old, and 4 (6.1%) of 66 patients older than 50 years had isolated pelvic fluid (P < 0.001). Mean volume of fluid was 2.5 mL; 97% (28/29) had less than 10 mL. Mean maximal 2-dimensional measurement was 2.1 cm; 93% (27/29) had less than 6 cm(2).
Conclusions:
Isolated fluid is greater than 7 times more common on outpatient pelvic MRIs in males younger than 30 years compared with men older than 49 years. Fluid rarely exceeded 10 mL or 6 cm(2).
Insights
Isolated pelvic fluid is common in young males under 30 on pelvic MRI scans for pain. This finding is rare in older men and the fluid volume is typically small.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pelvic Imaging
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Background:
- Pelvic fluid in males can be an incidental finding on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Understanding the incidence and characteristics of isolated pelvic fluid is important for accurate interpretation of pelvic MRI scans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and amount of isolated pelvic fluid in males undergoing outpatient pelvic MRI.
- To stratify findings by age group for patients examined due to lower back or extremity pain.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 161 pelvic MRI examinations in males over 18 months.
- Exclusion of patients with known causes for pelvic fluid.
- Calculation of fluid volume and 2D measurements by two radiologists.
Main Results:
- Isolated pelvic fluid was found in 44.4% of males aged 5-29, 10% aged 30-49, and 6.1% aged over 50 (P < 0.001).
- Mean fluid volume was 2.5 mL, with 97% having less than 10 mL.
- Mean maximal 2D measurement was 2.1 cm, with 93% having less than 6 cm².
Conclusions:
- Isolated pelvic fluid is significantly more common in males younger than 30 years compared to those older than 49 years.
- The amount of isolated pelvic fluid rarely exceeds 10 mL or 6 cm².
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