Evaluation of Common Ultrasound Findings Among Patients With Pelvic Pain In Faith Dome Clinic In Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Pelvic pain is a prevalent and multifaceted symptom that presents diagnostic challenges due to its diverse etiology. Ultrasound has emerged as a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating pelvic pain, offering non-invasive visualization of pelvic structures. This retrospective study aims to identify common ultrasound findings in patients with pelvic pain, correlate findings with gender, and determine the main reasons for referral for pelvic ultrasound scans. Data were retrieved from ultrasound reports of 1044 patients at Faith dome Medical Centre, Ekpoma, Edo State, over one year (2023). The study included patients with pelvic discomfort who had pelvic ultrasound imaging. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that females constituted the majority of patients with pelvic pain (78.35%), with the uterus being the most common site of pathology (42.34%). Uterine fibroids were the predominant finding in the uterus (52.04%), while ovarian cysts were most frequently observed in the ovaries (27.11%). Benign prostatic hyperplasia was the leading finding in male patients (44.78%). Colitis was the most common finding in the colon, occurring predominantly in males. Cystitis was the primary finding in the bladder, more prevalent in males. These findings underscore the importance of ultrasound in diagnosing pelvic pain, highlighting gender-specific differences in pathology distribution. Understanding these findings can aid clinicians in the accurate diagnosis and management of patients with pelvic pain. Further research is needed to explore additional factors influencing ultrasound findings in pelvic pain patients.