title: Ultrasound evaluation of the posterior pelvic compartment.
abstract: The posterior pelvic compartment, defined as consisting primarily of the rectosigmoid colon and peritoneal-lined cul-de-sac, was evaluated in 104 patients. Tumors and pseudotumors (fluid- and feces-filled loops of bowel) were ultrasonographically analyzed according to: (a) morphology and echo characteristics, and (b) location within either the cul-de-sac or rectosigmoid colon. On routine examination, a striking similarity between pathological processes and pseudotumors was demonstrated; these were diagnosed correctly only by the use of a technique in which the rectosigmoid colon is filled with water. Combined distension of the urinary bladder and rectosigmoid colon also enabled localization and differentiation of abnormalities within the cul-de-sac.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D012809:Colon, Sigmoid / Q000473:pathology; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010386:Pelvic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012007:Rectum / Q000473:pathology; D014465:Ultrasonics / Q000379:methods; D014463:Ultrasonography; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000473:pathology