Question

Effects of PID on the fallopian tubes in connection with ultrasound assessment

Answer 1

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection caused by pathogens lying in the region of ascending part of v@gina or cervix. It then spreads to fallopian tubes, endometrial and ovaries.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease progresses due to infection by gonorrhoea, chlamydia or untreated STDs.

The early stage of infection is observed by

• Salpingitis
• Cervicitis
• Oophoritis
• Uterosacral ligaments thickening

As the disease progress, the thickness of fallopian tube increases and gets filled with interstitial fluid.

When diagnosed with ultrasound,

(a) Acute pelvic inflammatory disease

• Ovaries become enlarged
• The follicle count increases.
• The dilatation of fallopian tubes is observed.
• Tubo-ovarian accesses is seen.

(b) Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease

• Formation of hydrosalpinx is seen.
• Accumulation of fluid is observed in fallopian tube and fallopian tube scarring is observed.
• Development of peritoneal inclusion cyst is observed around uterus and ovaries.