Imaging in benign gynaecological disease — update

The national target for 18-week waits has increased the importance of imaging in diagnostic pathways in not only malignant, but also benign, disease. This issue forms a timely update on the role of imaging and also intervention in benign disease in gynaecology. A considerable amount of literature is available relating to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, but less is known about the modern role of imaging in non-malignant disease. It is vital to remember that referrals from general practitioners of patients with pelvic pain and menstrual irregularities are an exceedingly common reason for imaging, and it is important that all radiologists are aware of how best to image benign gynaecological disease. This issue has been written specifically by experts in their field to address the symptomatology, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of benign disease. The chapters on endometriosis (Ghattamaneni et al) and pelvic infection (Balogun) are comprehensively covered and are a timely update in this area. The wellknown role of embolisation for fibroids has been reviewed (Keeling and Reidy) and this is now an established and appropriate intervention for symptomatic fibroids. The authors of this issue have provided a structured approach to the diagnostic problems posed by benign gynaecological diseases.