The effect of a flavonoid mixture containing diosmin, hesperidin and troxerutin in women with congestion syndrome associated to pelvic pain: a color Doppler ultrasonography study.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is associated with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). The efficacy of flavonoids for treating PCS symptoms is still a matter of debate, and little has been published. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a mixture of diosmin, troxerutin, and hesperidin in improving symptoms of patients with PCS, observing a direct effect on circulation by specific color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) evaluations. METHODS: This was a pilot, prospective, independent, cross-over, daily-diary-based trial. Women were evaluated with CDU for 3 times (baseline, 60 days, 120 days). Data about N.=13 women who completed the study were analyzed. RESULTS: During the treatment, we recorded a significant reduction of intermenstrual and menstrual pain intensity (total points) (P<0.05). The satisfaction after treatment was significantly higher than after placebo (P<0.0001). A significant reduction in the diameter of the major ovarian vein (P=0.004 compared to placebo), associated with an increase in peak systolic velocity (P=0.01) and a corresponding significant increase in the Resistivity Index (P<0.0001) were recorded during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a mixture of diosmin, troxerutin and hesperidin in women with PCS can significantly help to manage typical symptoms of pelvic pain and it is associated with an evident Doppler effect on pelvic microcirculation.

Case 330.

HISTORY: A 30-year-old female patient with a history of infertility and no pregnancy presented to the gynecologic endometriosis clinic for follow-up 1 month after oocyte retrieval, to be evaluated for pelvic optimization before potential embryo transfer, with worsening dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and overall pelvic pain. Eleven years prior, the patient had undergone left ovarian cystectomy for treatment of endometrioma, as well as excision of deep infiltrative endometriosis. The oocyte retrieval procedure, where more than 30 eggs were retrieved, was complicated by ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and intraperitoneal bleeding, which necessitated admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) for 3 days. Following discharge from the ICU, the patient experienced occasional on-and-off pressure of the urinary bladder and persistent aching pelvic pain. At the 1-month follow-up appointment, the patient's vital signs were assessed (blood pressure, 142/94 mm Hg; pulse rate, 95 per minute; temperature, 96.8 °F [36 °C]). Routine blood investigations, including white blood cell count, were within normal limits. Physical examination showed the abdomen was soft but there was mild pelvic tenderness. The serum ß-human chorionic gonadotropin test result was negative for pregnancy, and urinalysis testing showed no leukocyte esterase or nitrites. MRI of the pelvis (Figs 1-3) was performed to evaluate the worsening pain.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Acute Pelvic Pain in the Reproductive Age Group: 2023 Update.

This review focuses on the initial imaging in the reproductive age adult population with acute pelvic pain, including patients with positive and negative beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) levels with suspected gynecological and nongynecological etiology. For all patients, a combination of transabdominal and transvaginal pelvic ultrasound with Doppler is usually appropriate as an initial imaging study. If nongynecological etiology in patients with negative ß-hCG is suspected, then CT of the abdomen and pelvis with or without contrast is also usually appropriate. In patients with positive ß-hCG and suspected nongynecological etiology, CT of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast and MRI of the abdomen and pelvis without contrast may be appropriate. In patients with negative ß-hCG and suspected gynecological etiology, CT of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast, MRI of pelvis without contrast, or MRI of pelvis with and without contrast may be appropriate. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

Evaluating the development of endometriosis and adenomyosis lesions over time: An ultrasound study of symptomatic women.

INTRODUCTION: There is a gap in knowledge regarding development of endometriosis and adenomyosis lesions visible at transvaginal ultrasound. The objectives were to evaluate if women with symptoms suggestive of endometriosis or adenomyosis but normal ultrasound examination develop endometriosis or adenomyosis lesions visible at ultrasound over time and if alterations of symptoms over time are associated with ultrasound findings at follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of 100 symptomatic women with normal initial ultrasound examination during 2014-2017 who underwent follow-up ultrasound examination in 2022. Symptoms suggestive of endometriosis were assessed using visual analog scale at both examinations and minimal clinically important difference of 10 mm was considered as a significant alteration. An examiner with expertise in advanced ultrasound examination of endometriosis performed transvaginal ultrasound examinations in accordance with the consensus protocol by the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis group. RESULTS: At follow-up ultrasound examination of 100 women, 13 (13% [95% CI 7.1-21.2]) had visible endometriosis or adenomyosis lesions, 8 (8% [95% CI 3.5-15.2]) had endometriosis lesions, and 6 (6% [95% CI 2.2-12.6]) had adenomyosis. At follow-up, women with endometriosis or adenomyosis lesions reported lower intensity of dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain compared to women without lesions (48 mm [IQR 16-79] vs. 73 mm [IQR 46-85] and 45 mm [IQR 26-57] vs. 57 mm [IQR 36-75], p = 0.087 and p = 0.026, respectively). None of the women with endometriosis or adenomyosis lesions reported increased intensity of dysmenorrhea at follow-up, compared to 32/86 women (37%) without lesions (p = 0.008). Increased intensity of chronic pelvic pain tended to be less common in women with lesions compared to those without (3/13 [23%] vs. 35/86 [41%], p = 0.223). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that in symptomatic women, endometriosis and adenomyosis lesions visible at ultrasound may develop over time. However, majority of women remain having normal ultrasound examinations despite symptoms. Exacerbation of dysmenorrhea or chronic pelvic pain during follow-up was not associated with the development of endometriosis or adenomyosis lesions visible at ultrasound, suggesting that even women with less severe symptoms might benefit from a follow-up ultrasound when indicated.

Clinical and ultrasound characteristics of deep endometriosis affecting sacral plexus.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the sonomorphological changes and appearance of deep endometriosis (DE) affecting the nervous tissue of the sacral plexus (SP). METHODS: This was a retrospective study of symptomatic patients who underwent radical resection of histologically confirmed DE affecting the SP and who had undergone preoperative transvaginal sonography (TVS) between 2019 and 2023. Lesions were described based on the terms and definitions of the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA), International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) and Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) groups. A diagnosis of DE affecting the SP on TVS was made when the sonographic criteria of DE were visualized in conjunction with fibers of the SP and the presence of related symptoms corresponding to sacral radiculopathy. Clinical symptoms, ultrasound features and histological confirmation were analyzed for each patient included. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients with DE infiltrating the SP were identified in two contributing tertiary referral centers. Median age was 37 (range, 29-45) years and all patients were symptomatic and presented one or more of the following neurological symptoms: dysesthesia in the ipsilateral lower extremity (n = 17); paresthesia in the ipsilateral lower extremity (n = 10); chronic pelvic pain radiating in the ipsilateral lower extremity (n = 9); chronic pain radiating in the pudendal region (n = 8); and motor weakness in the ipsilateral lower extremities (n = 3). All DE lesions affecting the SP were purely solid tumors in the posterior parametrium in direct contact with, or infiltrating, the S1, S2, S3 and/or S4 roots of the SP. The median of the largest diameter recorded for each of the DE nodules was 35 (range, 18-50) mm. Echogenicity was non-uniform in 23 (85%) of the DE nodules, with all but one of these nodules containing hyperechogenic areas. The shape of the lesions was irregular in 24 (89%) cases. Only one lesion exhibited a lobulated form, with all other irregular lesions showing a spiculated appearance. An acoustic shadow was produced in 20 (74%) of the nodules, all of which were internal. On color or power Doppler examination, 21 (78%) of the nodules showed no signal (color score of 1). The remaining six (22%) lesions showed a minimal color content (color score of 2). According to pattern recognition, most DE nodules were purely solid, non-uniform, hypoechogenic nodules containing hyperechogenic areas, with internal shadows and irregular spiculated contours, and were poorly vascularized on color/power Doppler examination. CONCLUSION: The ultrasound finding of a parametrial, unilateral, solid, non-uniform, hypoechogenic nodule with hyperechogenic areas and possible internal shadowing, as well as irregular spiculated contours, demonstrating poor vascularization on Doppler examination in proximity to or involving the structures of the SP, indicates DE affecting the SP. © 2024 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Standard imaging in the emergency department in geriatric patients with immobilizing pelvic pain after low-energy trauma or without trauma: X-ray vs. computed tomography.

PURPOSE: Geriatric pelvic ring injuries, evaluated solely by X-ray, are often misclassified or even missed. This can result in prolonged immobilization and persistent pelvic pain. The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of X-ray imaging in patients aged ≥ 70 years with immobilizing pelvic pain. METHODS: 107 geriatric patients (23 males, 84 females) with immobilizing pain after traumatic or atraumatic causes were included in this retrospective study. 91 patients had an anteroposterior (AP) X-ray of the pelvis and after that a computed tomography (CT) of the pelvis. All patients were treated in a level 1 trauma center from December 2018 to September 2020. The mean age was 83.07 ± 6.08 years. RESULTS: The overall evaluation of the diagnostic performance of AP Pelvic X-ray imaging in the study population compared to the CT pelvis ("gold standard") resulted in a sensitivity of (2.7 %) and a specificity of (94.4 %). Specific for pelvic ring fractures in the study population there was a sensitivity of (3.4 %) and a specificity of (94.4 %). CONCLUSION: The results highlights issues with the AP Pelvic X-ray as the diagnostic tool of choice in this study population, confirming the findings of previous studies on the underestimated problem of osteoporotic pelvic ring fractures in geriatric patients. This again confirms the need for a new optimized diagnostic algorithm, which takes into account the differences of the orthogeriatric patient cohort.

Ultrasound findings in endometriosis: avoid hidden surprises.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the steps to performing and interpreting ultrasound imaging for pelvic pain in women with suspicions of endometriosis. DESIGN: Educational video. SETTING: Specialized gynecologic ultrasound clinic. PATIENTS: Reproductive-age women with pelvic pain with findings suggestive of endometriosis. INTERVENTION: Transvaginal ultrasound imaging. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A detailed discussion of findings suggesting endometriosis. RESULTS: There are four basic sonographic steps for examining women with pelvic pain, especially when there is suspicion of endometriosis. Step 1: routine evaluation of the uterus and adnexa (this includes uterine orientation, sonographic signs of adenomyosis, and the presence or absence of endometrioma). Step 2: evaluation of transvaginal sonographic markers for endometriosis, for example, site-specific tenderness and ovarian mobility. Step 3: assessment of anterior and posterior compartments using a real-time ultrasound-based "sliding sign"; and Step 4: assessment for deep endometriotic nodules in anterior and posterior compartments. Note: the bladder should contain a small amount of urine for anterior compartment evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound is a powerful and dynamic tool for evaluating pelvic pain with high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in diagnosing deep endometriosis. Ultrasound imaging is important not only for diagnosing but also to counsel patients properly, consent appropriately, and plan for interdisciplinary consultations.

Chronic Pelvic Pain: Role of Imaging in the Diagnosis and Management.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women is not uncommon, and it may be difficult to identify the exact cause difficult to manage. It is major health problem for women that affects the quality of their daily lives. The etiology of chronic pelvic pain may be of gynecological or non-gynecological origin and associated with several predisposing and precipitating factors. Psychological and social factors also contribute to the syndrome of CPP and must be evaluated before managing these patients. Due to multifactorial etiology, CPP needs a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis and management. A detailed history and physical examination supported by appropriate laboratory tests and imaging are the keys to diagnosis. In this paper, the role of imaging in diagnosis and management of CPP is reviewed. Imaging findings should be correlated with detailed clinical examination findings as there are imaging findings that may be unrelated and not the cause of CPP in a particular patient, imaging findings should be correlated with the clinical circumstances.

White matter changes in young and middle-aged males with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: Tract-based spatial statistics analysis.

The supraspinal mechanism plays a key role in developing and maintaining chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). However, it is not clear how white matter changes in young and middle-aged males with CP/CPPS. In this cross-sectional study, 23 CP/CPPS patients and 22 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. Tract-based spatial statistics was applied to investigate the differences in diffusion tensor imaging metrics, including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusion (MD), radial diffusion (RD) and axial diffusion (AD), between CP/CPPS patients and HCs. The study also examined the association between white matter alterations and clinical variables in patients using correlation analysis. Compared with HCs, patients showed decreased FA, MD, RD and AD in the body and genu of the corpus callosum and right anterior corona radiata. In addition, they showed increased FA along with decreased MD, RD and AD in the left posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC-L), left external capsule and left cerebral peduncle. The FA of PLIC-L was negatively correlated with disease duration (r = -.54, corrected p = .017), while MD and RD were positively correlated (r = .45, corrected p = .042; r = .57, corrected p = .017). These results suggest that CP/CPPS is associated with extensive changes in white matter tracts, which are involved in pain processing. In particular, the FA, MD and RD values in the PLIC-L were correlated with the disease duration, indicating that the long-term course of CP/CPPS may have effects on the white matter microstructure of the pain perception pathways.

Acute Pelvic Pain: Role of Imaging in the Diagnosis and Management.

Acute pelvic pain is defined as a new symptom that has been present for less than 3 months. It is a common symptom seen in 15%-24% of women and is the indication for 20% of laparoscopies and 2%-10% of outpatient gynecologic visits. The pregnancy status and correlation of the physical symptoms with clinical findings are important. Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice, not only to diagnose gynecological causes, but also bowel or urinary tract related causes of pelvic pain. When an ultrasound scan is inconclusive, a computed tomography scan is the preferred means of additional imaging and is particularly useful in gastrointestinal and urogenital causes of pelvic pain. Gynecological causes of acute pelvic pain include uterine, tubal, or ovarian pathology; non-gynecological causes include bowel diseases, such as appendicitis and diverticulitis; urogenital causes such as ureteral, bladder stones, and urinary tract infection as well as vascular causes. Ultrasound imaging alone may provide a definitive diagnosis in underlying conditions that require prompt medical or surgical intervention in gynecological conditions, such as ovarian torsion, ectopic pregnancy, and non-gynecological condition, such as in acute appendicitis.

Links between brain neuroimaging and blood inflammatory markers in urological chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Urological chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS) is a debilitating painful condition with unclear etiology. Prior researchers have indicated that compared to healthy controls, patients with UCPPS demonstrated altered brain activity. Researchers have also shown that in UCPPS, several blood inflammatory markers relate to clinical variables of pain, fatigue, and pain widespreadness. However, how altered brain function in patients with UCPPS relates to blood inflammation remains unknown. To extend and connect prior findings of altered brain function and inflammatory factors in UCPPS, we conducted a secondary analysis of data from a cohort of UCPPS patients (N = 29) and healthy controls (N = 31) who provided both neuroimaging and blood data (National Institute of Health MAPP Research Network publicly available dataset). In our present study, we aimed to evaluate relationships between a priori-defined brain neuroimaging markers and inflammatory factors of interest and their relationships to pain-psychological variables. We hypothesized that two brain alterations of interest (i.e., PCC - left hippocampus functional connectivity and PCC - bilateral amygdala functional connectivity) would be correlated with four cytokine markers of interest: interleukin (IL) - 6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), IL-8, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). In the UCPPS cohort, we identified a significant PCC - left hippocampus functional connectivity relationship with IL-6 (p = 0.0044). Additionally, in the UCPPS cohort, we identified a PCC - amygdala functional connectivity relationship with GM-CSF which did not meet our model's threshold for statistical significance (p = 0.0665). While these data are preliminary and cross-sectional, our findings suggest connections between brain function and levels of low-grade systemic inflammation in UCPPS. Thus, while further study is needed, our data indicate the potential for advancing the understanding of how brain functional circuits may relate to clinical symptoms and systemic inflammation.

Correlation of resistive index of prostatic capsular artery to clinical symptoms in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relation between resistive index (RI) of prostatic capsular arteries by transrectal Doppler ultrasonography in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) and its correlation with lower urinary tract symptoms, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation parameters of CP/CPPS. METHODS: In total, we included 68 patients presenting with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. We formed two groups, as Group 1 of 35 patients with a RI ≥ 0.7 and Group 2 of 33 patients with RI < 0.7. All patients were assessed with International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) and National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI). In addition, the RI of the prostate capsular artery was measured in all patients using Doppler ultrasound. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS version 18. A p value < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics were similar in the two groups. IPSS was 11.3 ± 6 in Group 1 and 9.7 ± 5.3 in Group 2. IIEF-5 was 18.6 ± 2 in Group 1 and 20.4 ± 2.3 in Group 2. PEDT was 12.4 ± 5.6 in Group 1 and 11.2 ± 4 in Group 2. CPSI (total) was 19.3 ± 12.3 in Group 1 and 10.6 ± 7.7 in Group 2. There was significant statistical difference in IPSS, IIEF-5, and CPSI between the two groups (p < .001, p < .001, p < .001 respectively). However, we found no significant difference in PEDT between the two groups (p = .19). CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant correlation between the lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction parameters and the RI of the prostatic capsular artery in CP/CPPS and RI is an effective and noninvasive method to assess the severity of the disease.

Sonographic postpartum anal sphincter defects and the association with pelvic floor pain and dyspareunia.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic floor pain and dyspareunia are both important entities of postpartum pelvic pain, often concomitant and associated with perineal tears during vaginal delivery. The association between postpartum sonographic anal sphincter defects, pelvic floor pain, and dyspareunia has not been fully established. We aimed to determine the prevalence of postpartum anal sphincter defects using three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography (3D-EAUS) and evaluate their association with symptoms of pelvic floor pain and dyspareunia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study followed 239 primiparas from birth to 12 months post delivery. Anal sphincters were assessed with 3D-EAUS 3 months postpartum, and self-reported pelvic floor function data were obtained using a web-based questionnaire distributed 1 year after delivery. Descriptive statistics were compared between the patients with and without sonographic defects, and the association between sonographic sphincter defects and outcomes were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: At 3 months postpartum, 48/239 (20%) patients had anal sphincter defects on 3D-EAUS, of which 43 (18%) were not clinically diagnosed with obstetric anal sphincter injury at the time of delivery. Patients with sonographic defects had higher fetal weight than those without defects, and a perineum <2 cm before the suture was a risk factor for defects (odds ratio [OR], 6.9). Patients with sonographic defects had a higher frequency of dyspareunia (OR, 2.4), and pelvic floor pain (OR, 2.3) than those without defects. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest an association between postpartum sonographic anal sphincter defects, pelvic floor pain, and dyspareunia. A perineal height <2 cm, measured by bidigital palpation immediately postdelivery, was a risk factor for sonographic anal sphincter defect. We suggest offering pelvic floor sonography around 3 months postpartum to high- risk women to optimize diagnosis and treatment of perineal tears and include perineum <2 cm prior to primary repair as a proposed indication for postpartum follow-up sonography.

Surgical and endovascular treatment of pelvic venous disorder: Results of a multicentre retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we investigated the clinical outcomes after gonadal vein resection (GVR) and gonadal vein embolization (GVE) with coils in patients with pelvic venous disorder (PeVD). We also assessed the rates of procedural complications and disease recurrence. METHODS: Our multicenter retrospective cohort study included 361 female patients with PeVD-related chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and gonadal vein reflux who underwent GVR (n = 184) or GVE with coils (n = 177) from 1999 to 2020. The clinical outcomes (ie, presence and severity of CPP, procedural complications, disease recurrence) were assessed at 1 month and 1, 3, and 5 years after intervention. The pain intensity before and after treatment was assessed using a visual analog scale. All the patients underwent duplex ultrasound after GVR and GVE, and those with persistent CPP and suspected perforation of the gonadal vein by the coils were also evaluated by multiplanar pelvic venography. RESULTS: GVR and GVE was associated with the reduction or elimination of CPP at 1 month after treatment in 100% and 74% of patients and postprocedural complications in 14% and 37% of patients, respectively (Р < 0.01 for both). The most common complication after either GVR or GVE was pelvic vein thrombosis (11% and 22% patients, respectively; P < .01 between groups). GVE was associated with postembolization syndrome in 20%, coil protrusion in 6%, and coil migration in 1% of patients. The long-term recurrence rate after GVR and GVE was 6% and 16%, respectively (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Both GVR and GVE were found to be effective in treating patients with PeVD. However, GVR was associated with better efficacy in the relief of CPP and lower rates of procedural complications and disease recurrence.

Clinical and sonographic impact of oral contraception in patients with deep endometriosis and adenomyosis at 2 years of follow-up.

Nowadays, combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are successfully employed for the treatment of endometriosis (END) and adenomyosis (AD) in a large proportion of patients. However, literature focusing on the clinical and sonographic response to treatment in the long-term follow-up of patients with deep endometriosis (DE) and AD is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the symptoms and the sonographic exams at 12 and 24 months of follow-up in patients who had received a flexible extended COC regimen containing 2 mg of dienogest/30 µg ethinyl estradiol. This prospective, longitudinal, observational study included women diagnosed with DE and AD presenting no surgical indication and were candidates to treatment with COCs. The presence and severity of dysmenorrhea, non-menstrual pelvic pain, deep dyspareunia, dyschezia and dysuria were evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at baseline, and at 12 and 24 months of treatment. Transvaginal ultrasound was also performed at these check points searching for criteria of AD and reporting the size of the DE nodules and ovarian endometriomas (OE). Sixty-four patients were included. A significant decrease in the number of patients with severe dysmenorrhea and non-menstrual pelvic pain was reported during follow-up. The mean NRS score for dysmenorrhea, non-menstrual pelvic pain, deep dyspareunia, dyschezia and dysuria was also significantly lower at follow-up. There was a significant reduction in the sonographic number and type of AD criteria during follow-up after treatment. Similarly, a significant decrease in the size of OE and uterosacral ligament involvement in DE was observed at the 12-month follow-up, with a further, albeit not statistically significant, decrease in the 12- to 24-month follow-up. Additionally, torus and rectosigmoid DE decreased in size, although the reduction was not statistically significant at any study point. This prospective study suggests a clinical and sonographic improvement after a flexible extended COC regimen in DE and AD patients, which was significant at 12 months of follow-up. The improvement was more evident in AD and OEs compared with DE. Further research with a longer follow-up, larger sample size and comparison with other treatments is needed.

Reproducible Microstructural Changes in the Brain Associated With the Presence and Severity of Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (UCPPS): A 3-Year Longitudinal Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study From the MAPP Network.

Microstructural alterations have been reported in patients with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS). However, it isn't clear whether these alterations are reproducible within 6 months or whether long-term symptom improvement is associated with specific microstructural changes. Using data from the MAPP-II Research Network, the current study performed population-based voxel-wise DTI and probabilistic tractography in a large sample of participants from the multicenter cohort with UCPPS (N = 364) and healthy controls (HCs, N = 61) over 36 months. While fractional anisotropy (FA) differences between UCPPS patients and HCs were observed to be unique at baseline and 6-month follow-up visits, consistent aberrations in mean diffusivity (MD) were observed between UCPPS and HCs at baseline and repeated at 6 months. Additionally, compared to HCs, UCPPS patients showed stronger structural connectivity (SC) between the left postcentral gyrus and the left precuneus, and weaker SC from the left cuneus to the left lateral occipital cortex and the isthmus of the left cingulate cortex at baseline and 6-month. By 36 months, reduced FA and MD aberrations in these same regions were associated with symptom improvement in UCPPS. Together, results suggest changes in white matter microstructure may play a role in the persistent pain symptoms in UCPPS. PERSPECTIVE: This longitudinal study identified reproducible, "disease-associated" patterns in altered mean diffusivity and abnormal microstructural connectivity in UCPPS comparing to HCs over 6 months. These differences were found in regions involved in sensory processing and integration and pain modulation, making it potentially amenable for clinical interventions that target synaptic and/or neuronal reorganization.

Pelvic pain and venous congestion revisited: examining relationship between chronic pelvic pain and uterine venous size and blood flow.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between increased uterine venous plexus diameter and chronic pelvic pain in women attending a gynecology clinic. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients attending a tertiary university hospital in London, UK. Women presenting to the gynecology clinic undergoing transvaginal ultrasound examination were recruited into the study. The largest trunk of the uterine venous plexus was measured on each side. Blood flow within the uterine veins was categorized into continuous or interrupted flow and evaluated using color and spectral Doppler ultrasound during normal respiration and on Valsalva maneuver to demonstrate the presence of venous reflux. The largest uterine vein diameter and its blood flow were used for the analysis. The main variables of interest were chronic pelvic pain, uterine vein diameter and type of blood flow. RESULTS: We included 1500 women in the study, of whom 584 (38.9% (95% CI, 36.5-41.5%)) reported chronic pelvic pain. Dysmenorrhea was the most common type of pelvic pain. Age (P < 0.001), menopausal status (P = 0.02), varicose veins (P = 0.01), adenomyosis (P < 0.001) and endometriosis (P < 0.001) were found to be independently associated with the occurrence of pain on multiple logistic regression analysis. There was no difference in uterine vein diameter between women with and those without pain (P = 0.10). Neither uterine vein diameter (P = 0.47) nor type of blood flow (P = 0.07) was significantly associated with the occurrence of pelvic pain on multiple logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that uterine vein diameter is not associated with pelvic pain. However, we found other important clinical and demographic factors that are associated with chronic pelvic pain. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

A Pictorial Review of Pelvic Pain-Beyond the Genitourinary System.

ABSTRACT: Pelvic pain may be caused by disorders of the reproductive, urinary, or gastrointestinal systems. In the pediatric population, pelvic pain is often first evaluated with ultrasonography, with other imaging modalities reserved for further workup or specific indications. Radiologists must be aware of the findings associated with common pelvic emergencies to allow prompt diagnosis and prevention of life-threatening complications. Although the range of pelvic pathology is extensive, this pictorial review presents ultrasound examples of common nontraumatic causes of pelvic pain encountered in the pediatric population, with a brief discussion about multimodality imaging features.