Imaging in the post-partum period: clinical challenges, normal findings, and common imaging pitfalls

Multidetector CT appearance of the pelvis after vaginal delivery: normal appearances and abnormal acute findings

Vaginal delivery is the most commonly performed delivery in the world and accounts for nearly two-thirds of all deliveries in the United States. It is a secure method but may be associated with some acute complications, especially in the immediate postpartum days, which can potentially be fatal for the mother. The most frequent acute complications are hemorrhages/hematomas, uterine rupture, endometritis, retained product of conception (RPOC), ovarian thrombosis and HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count). A first evaluation of the clinical status of the patients is executed by the clinicians who, depending on their experience, perform ultrasonography by themselves and eventually may request further radiologic exams in doubtful cases. Radiologists may play an important role recognizing early postpartum complications and differentiating them from physiologic postoperative findings. In this setting, the use of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is important for diagnosis of suspected postpartum complications. The aim of this article is to review the normal and abnormal post vaginal delivery MDCT aspects in order to help the clinical management by preventing misdiagnoses and tailoring the best medical treatments.