Evaluation of Pelvic Organ Prolapse With Medical Imaging

Female pelvic floor defects are often multiple and can be associated with concomitant pathological conditions that must be addressed at evaluation. Imaging of the pelvic floor can provide these important anatomical and pathological findings that are often missed or undetectable on physical examination. Imaging of the pelvis not only assesses what can be seen on the outside but also provides the internal relationship of pelvic organs. Various imaging modalities have been used to visualize the pelvic structures and lower urinary tract including fluoroscopy, sonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This article reviews the methodology and application of these imaging modalities for the diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse.