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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2008; 12(1): 083-103
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1067940
© Thieme Medical Publishers

MRI of the Pelvis: A Guide to Incidental Findings for Musculoskeletal Radiologists

David D. Childs1 , John R. Leyendecker1
  • 1Department of Radiology, Section of Abdominal Imaging, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Publication History

Publication Date:
01 April 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis for presumed musculoskeletal disease are commonly found to have abnormal imaging findings in the incidentally imaged pelvic viscera. Such incidental findings can be problematic for the musculoskeletal imager, both in terms of assigning clinical significance and determining the appropriate workup for a given abnormality. In this article we discuss the normal MRI appearance of the various pelvic organ systems as well as normal variants, emphasizing those that can mimic pathological processes. We then discuss the MRI appearance of common pathological entities encountered in these organ systems and the key imaging findings that should warrant a recommendation for further radiologic and/or clinical evaluation.

KEYWORDS

Magnetic resonance imaging - pelvis - incidental - musculoskeletal

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David D ChildsM.D. 

Department of Radiology, Section of Abdominal Imaging, Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157

Email: dchilds@wfubmc.edu