Adnexal mass with pelvic pain

Although many adnexal masses are detected incidentally, this article focuses on the evaluation of pregnant women who present with an adnexal mass in the setting of acute pelvic pain. Clinical diagnosis in pregnancy is a challenge because the differential diagnosis for an adnexal mass that presents with pelvic pain is broad and includes pregnancy-related and unrelated causes. The clinical presentation and natural history of abdominal and pelvic disease may be altered in pregnancy. Ultrasound is an ideal tool for evaluating a pregnant patient. It is excellent in defining pelvic anatomy and pathology without the risks of ionizing radiation inherent to many imaging techniques.