Describe pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and complications.

Review the general radiologic findings of PID.

Analyze the clinical significance of an early PID diagnosis.

PID is a common pelvic infection in women of childbearing age that includes all upper genital tract infections associated with sexually transmitted microorganisms, usually resulting from an ascending lower genital tract infection.

Common clinical symptoms of PID include pelvic pain, fever, vaginal discharge, dyspareunia, leukocytosis, and other vague constitutional symptoms.

Major risk factors include a history of multiple sexual partners, young age, previous uterine surgery, and intrauterine devices.

PID is usually treated conservatively with a short course of oral antibiotic therapy, but hospitalization is often required for complicated PID.

Clinical history and physical examination findings in conjunction with ultrasonography (US) results are usually diagnostic. However, if symptoms are nonspecific, computed tomography (CT) is often...

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The diagnosis of PID can be difficult because clinical symptoms may resemble those of other pelvic and abdominal processes.

Knowledge of the imaging findings of early and late PID and their associated complications is critical to avoid misdiagnosis and provide optimal patient care.

Recognition and prompt treatment of this condition can reduce the incidence of complications and decrease the risk of tubal infertility and ectopic pregnancy.