Tubo-ovarian abscesses: spectrum of sonographic findings with surgical and pathological correlations.

The ultrasonographic findings of tubo-ovarian abscesses are not specific. The presence of a mass at the anatomic position of the ovary or at the cul-de-sac in combination with an increased number of white blood cells, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and clinical findings are helpful for a correct diagnosis. Also, the color Doppler flow can further characterize the nature of the pelvic mass by detecting a significant rich blood flow in most cases of tuboovarian abscesses.