[Imaging of the female pelvis in adolescence]

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to familiarize the radiologists with the evolutive morphological features of the female genital apparatus, as it can be seen during the puberty, and to view the pathologies panel which may occur in ths period of life. This chapter is going to illustrate the morphological sonographic modifications from the childhood to the adolescence, emphasing the signs of pubertal maturation (uterus and ovaries shape, size and vascularization). Through clinical signs (delayed sexual maturation, primary or secondary amenorrhea, menstrual dysfunction, acute, cyclic, chronic pelvic pain and pelvic mass) the different pathologies are viewed, illustrating the important role of ultrasonography, but not an exclusive role.