Correlation between computed tomography and gross anatomy of the suspensory ligament of the ovary

Abstract

To assess the morphology of the suspensory ligament of the ovary on CT scan examination, an anatomic study of the suspensory ligament of the ovary was performed to demonstrate its morphology on CT and to facilitate the visualization of the ovaries. Twelve female cadavers were studied after intravascular injection of latex (venous: 2, arterial: 6, arterio-venous: 4). We first observed all the pelvises after their transection. Six dissections were then made to obtain optimal anatomic correlations on the content and relations of the infundibulo-pelvic ligament. The arterial opacifications were poor compared with to the good quality of the venous or arteriovenous opacifications. An upright correlation between CT slices and the anatomic study was made. This radio-anatomic study emphazises the importance of the veins, which really support the suspensory ligament of the ovary, as opposed to the involution of the arteries. This study points out the link between the infundibulo-pelvic ligament above and the utero-ovarian below, then with the superficial uterine vv. All these structures were well analyzed on CT and during the anatomic studies. A very well developed periovarian venous plexus which frequently concealed the ovaries was demonstrated. Some anatomic variations which were invisible on the CT scan examinations were displayed. The visualization of the suspensory ligament of the ovary should facilitate the visualization of the ovaries and could optimize the search for lymphadenopathies originating from ovarian cancers.