Pelvic Ultrasound Vocabulary: PID, Endometriosis, Infertility, and Related Structures

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to pelvic anatomy, PID, endometriosis, infertility treatments, and related ultrasound findings.

Fallopian tubes

Tubes connecting ovaries to the uterus; sections include the infundibulum, fimbriae, ampulla, isthmus, and interstitium. Pathology includes salpingitis, hydrosalpinx, and pyosalpinx.

Fimbriae

Finger‑like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes that help capture the ovulated egg.

Infundibulum

The widened, funnel‑shaped portion of the fallopian tube closest to the ovary.

Ampulla

The dilated common site in the fallopian tube where fertilization most often occurs.

Isthmus

Narrow section of the fallopian tube between the ampulla and the interstitium.

Interstitium

Intramural portion of the fallopian tube that traverses the uterine wall to the uterine horn.

Mesosalpinx

The folded peritoneum that supports the fallopian tube within the broad ligament.

Mesentery

Peritoneal fold; in this context, related to peritoneal supports around pelvic organs.

Ovaries

Glands that produce eggs (ova) and sex hormones; located near the fallopian tubes.

Adnexa

Ovaries and fallopian tubes together; includes surrounding ligaments and pelvic vessels.

Broad ligament

A peritoneal fold that supports the uterus and adnexa, containing the fallopian tubes and ovarian vessels.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Inflammation/infection of pelvic organs, usually from ascending STD infection; can involve endometrium, tubes, ovaries, and peritoneum.

Endometritis

Inflammation/infection of the endometrium (uterine lining).

Salpingitis

Inflammation of the fallopian tubes.

Hydrosalpinx

Fluid-filled, dilated fallopian tube due to obstruction and inflammation.

Pyosalpinx

Pus‑filled fallopian tube from infection.

Periovarian inflammation

Inflammation of the tissues around the ovary and adjacent peritoneum.

Tubo‑ovarian complex

Inflammation involving both the fallopian tube and ovary, often with adhesions.

Ectopic pregnancy

Fertilized egg implanted outside the uterus, commonly in the fallopian tube; risk increased with PID.

Peritonitis

Inflammation/infection of the peritoneum; can spread to abdomen and pelvis.

Bartholin’s glands

Glands near the vaginal opening that can become inflamed with infection.

Dilation and curettage (D&C)

Cervical dilation followed by scraping/removal of endometrial tissue; used post‑partum, post‑miscarriage, or to remove retained products.

Endometrium

Uterine lining; thickens cyclically and can thicken abnormally in PID or infertility workups.

Endometriosis

Ectopic endometrial tissue outside the uterus; causes pain and infertility; may form endometriomas.

Endometrioma (chocolate cyst)

Ovarian cyst formed from endometriosis; filled with old blood.

Adenomyosis

Endometrial tissue within the myometrium; leads to bulky/enlarged uterus and heavy bleeding.

Pelvic congestion syndrome

Chronic pelvic pain from incompetent ovarian venous valves causing retrograde flow; left side commonly affected.

Ovarian vein dilation (congestion)

Dilated pelvic veins (often 5–6 mm) visible on Doppler, worsened with Valsalva; more on the left.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

Complication of fertility treatment with ovarian stimulation; numerous large follicles, possible ascites, bilateral involvement, risk of mortality with severe cases.

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

Fertility treatment: ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval, fertilization in the lab, and embryo transfer to the uterus.

ZIFT (zygote intrafallopian transfer)

Fertilized zygote placed into the fallopian tube for implantation.

GIFT (gamete intrafallopian transfer)

Eggs and sperm are placed into the fallopian tube for fertilization in vivo.

IUI (intrauterine insemination)

Direct placement of prepared sperm into the uterus to enhance fertilization chances.

Oocyte

Mature egg cell ready for fertilization; retrieved during IVF cycles.

Follicle (IVF context)

Ovarian follicle containing the developing oocyte; retrieval targets are typically 18–24 mm in diameter.

Clomid (clomiphene citrate)

Ovulation‑inducing medication used in fertility treatment.

Metformin

Medication used to treat insulin resistance in PCOS; can improve ovulation.

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

Hormone used to trigger ovulation and support luteal phase in fertility treatments.

Beak sign

Ultrasound sign of a dilated fallopian tube attaching to the uterus, suggesting hydrosalpinx.

Lobster claw sign

Ultrasound sign seen with hydrosalpinx where the fallopian tube and surrounding fluid resemble a claw.

Ring‑down artifact

Acoustic artifact from air in infected tissue; appears as downward spreading lines on ultrasound.

Chandelier sign

Pain response during transvaginal examination indicating PID tenderness.

DES exposure (diethylstilbestrol)

In utero exposure linked to a T‑shaped uterus and infertility risk.

Didelphic uterus

Congenital uterine anomaly with two separate uterine horns; can impair fertility.

Bicornuate uterus

Congenital uterus with a single cervix and two uterine horns; can affect fertility.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Ovulatory dysfunction with insulin resistance; common infertility factor.

Diverticulum (bladder)

Outpouching of the bladder wall that can press on surrounding structures and cause pelvic pain.

Appendicitis (in pelvic ultrasound context)

Inflamed appendix may mimic pelvic pathology; ultrasound shows thickened bowel walls and a target sign.

Pelvic ultrasound signs of infection

Hyperemia on color Doppler, thickened endometrium, free or loculated fluid in cul‑de‑sacs, and edematous ovaries.

Cul‑de‑sac (Pouch of Douglas)

Most dependent pelvic space; fluid accumulation suggests PID or hemorrhage.