[Anatomic characteristics of pelvic fascia and ligaments in computerized tomography]

The pelvic fascia consists of two layers, the parietal and the visceral layers I whose appendages represented by various septa and ligaments subdivide the pelvis in intra- and extraperitoneal spaces. These structures are extremely thin but can be demonstrated thanks to the high-quality images obtained with the latest CT scanners and to the good natural contrast of pelvic fat. To assess the visibility of the anatomic features of these structures, 50 patients with no pelvic conditions which could affect the thickness of the pelvic fasciae and ligaments were examined with CT. The pelvic visceral fascia was clearly demonstrated in 60% of cases, the rectovesical and rectovaginal septa and the medial umbilical ligaments were demonstrated in 100% and 92% of cases, respectively. The umbilico-prevesical fascia and the lateral umbilical ligaments were poorly demonstrated. The depiction of these structures improves the knowledge of pelvic anatomy and yields major pieces of information to better understand several pelvic conditions.