An examination of the pelvic organs: the bladder, rectum, prostate in men, uterus and ovaries in women, as well as the pelvic lymph nodes and bones. It is usually done to clarify ultrasound findings.
- Duration5 minutes, with contrast 30 minutes
- Contrastif indicated
- Preparationmoderately full bladder
- Report1–2 hours
What it shows
- The bladder, lower ureters and rectum
- The prostate, uterus and ovaries
- Benign and malignant tumours and their spread into neighbouring organs, bones and vessels
- Metastases to deep lymph nodes
- Ovarian and prostate cysts
- Abscesses and inflammation
- Fluid or blood collections in the pelvis
- Developmental anomalies of the pelvic organs
When it is recommended
- Pelvic injury (often together with CT of the abdomen and kidneys)
- Lower abdominal pain or pelvic organ dysfunction when other tests have found no cause
- Suspected tumour or metastases
- Inflammatory disease (prostatitis, salpingo-oophoritis), abscesses
- Ovarian or prostate cysts
- Clarifying doubtful ultrasound results
- Planning surgery
Preparation
- Come with a moderately full bladder
- If contrast is planned, come on an empty stomach
Good to know
- Bring the results of a previous ultrasound if you have them — pelvic CT usually clarifies an existing suspicion.
- MRI is usually preferred for detailed assessment of the ovaries and prostate.
General information about CT — safety, contraindications, contrast and what to expect — is on the CT page.