Pelvic anatomy
The pelvis is one of the largest structures in the human body, and its function is to support the entire weight of the upper body and transfer pressure to the lower limbs. Its structure differs subtly between the female and male sexes, but in both sexes it is divided into two main parts, i.e. the greater and lesser pelvis.
And so, the pelvis is formed by the two pelvic bones (connected to each other by the pubic symphysis), the sacrum (connected to the pelvic bones via the sacroiliac joints) and the coccyx. Of course, a number of muscles, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels are also located within the pelvis.
What are the indications for a pelvic CT scan?
Computed tomography is exceptionally good at imaging both the skeleton and the soft structures of the body, including muscles and blood vessels (especially arteries), so it is often the test used to diagnose a range of pelvic ailments, including:
- post-traumatic lesions,
- enlarged lymph nodes,
- Perineal and testicular pain,
- ovarian pain,
- Pain of indeterminate origin,
- defects of the genitourinary system,
- Imaging of kidney lesions (calcifications, deposits, hematomas, cysts, etc.).
- inflammation,
- suspected cancerous lesions,
- Assessment of the extent of the tumor process.
How do I prepare for a pelvic CT scan?
Examination of this part of the body can take place both with and without the use of a shadowing agent, so-called contrast, depending on the clinical need. The decision to administer contrast, or not to do so, is made by the referring physician and/or the radiologist present during the examination at our Laboratory.
When performing this test with contrast, it is necessary to be fasting, and to determine the creatinine level and eGFR from the blood. If you have any thyroid problems, you should also have your thyrotropin hormone levels, known as TSH levels, determined.
It is necessary, as for any CT scan and with ionizing radiation, to submit a current referral for a pelvic CT scan.