Ultrasonographic evaluation of acute pelvic pain in pregnant and postpartum period

Med Ultrason. 2017 Apr 22;19(2):218-223. doi: 10.11152/mu-929.

Abstract

Acute pelvic pain in pregnant and postpartum patients presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The interpretation of imaging findings in these patients is influenced by the knowledge of the physiological changes that occur during the pregnant and postpartum period, as well as by the clinical history. Ultrasonography remains the primary imaging investigation of the pregnant and postpartum women. This article describes the causes and imaging features of acute pelvic pain in pregnant and postpartum period and suggests characteristics to such diseases, focusing on the ultrasonography features that allow one to arrive at the corrective diagnosis. Knowledge of the clinical settings and imaging features of acute pelvic pain in pregnant and postpartum period can lead to accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of the condition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Pain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pelvic Pain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnostic imaging*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal / methods*