3D ultrasound

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I found this synopsis of a report and thought it was interesting.

Lori

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Detection of congenital mullerian duct anomalies using three-

dimensional ultrasound.

Wu MH, Hsu CC, Huang KE.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng-Kung

University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the value of 3-

dimensional sonography in the diagnosis of congenital mullerian duct

anomalies, which cause infertility, preterm labor, and first

trimester abortion. METHODS: A prospective study was undertaken in

which 40 patients with histories of repeated spontaneous abortions or

infertility were first examined using conventional 2-dimensional

sonography or hysterosalpingography. Three-dimensional transvaginal

sonography was then performed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight women had

mullerian duct abnormalities, and 12 women had normal uterine

anatomy. Mullerian duct defects detected in this study were

unicornuate uterus (3), bicornuate uterus (3), complete or partial

septate uterus (12), arcuate uterus (9), and didelphic uterus (1).

The diagnosis of mullerian duct anomalies in these patients was

confirmed by laparoscopic and/or hysteroscopic examinations. Three-

dimensional sonography demonstrated all congenital uterine

abnormalities with a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. Separate

uterus and bicornuate uterus could be correctly diagnosed using 3-

dimensional sonography in 11 (92%) of 12 cases and 3 (100%) of 3

cases, respectively. These 2 abnormalities were commonly confused

with each other using hysterosalpingography and conventional

sonography. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional sonography with image

reconstruction is less expensive and less invasive than

hysterosalpingography for the assessment of uterine anatomy and

diagnosis of mullerian duct abnormalities. The ability to visualize

both the uterine cavity and the myometrium on a 3-dimensional scan

facilitates the diagnosis of uterine anomalies and enables the

differentiation of septate from bicornuate uteri for preoperative

surgical planning.

PMID: 9350567 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]