MR imaging and CT of the female pelvis: radiologic-pathologic correlation

For imaging of the female pelvis, transvaginal ultrasound is the method of choice. Magnetic resonance imaging and CT provide important additional information in various disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging is superior to CT in diagnosing benign and malignant disorders of the uterus. The same holds for the characterization of adnexal masses, where MR imaging reliably differentiates dermoids, ovarian fibromas, and most endometriomas. Differentiation of other benign and malignant ovarian tumors by CT and MR imaging is based on identical morphological criteria; no superiority of MR imaging over CT has been established. Computed tomography is still the preferred imaging modality for staging ovarian cancer. A thorough knowledge of the pathomorphological changes associated with the different disorders of the female pelvis not only helps to choose the proper imaging modality and examination protocol, but also improves image interpretation.