Vagina and vulva: Imaging techniques, normal anatomy and anatomical variants

Abstract

Detecting and evaluating abnormalities of the female vagina and vulva are difficult on imaging due to the limitations inherent in each modality, radiation safety issues, and perhaps cultural restrictions. Computed tomography (CT) does not play a significant role in imaging the vagina and vulva due to poor soft tissue resolution of perineal anatomy. Although ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) often play complimentary roles, MRI is now the predominant imaging modality. It is often superior to both ultrasound and CT because of its ability to produce nondegraded multi-planar images and superior contrast resolution without the use of ionizing radiation. MRI is also noninvasive and allows visualization of the female reproductive organs in their orthotopic positions.