Three‐dimensional ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging assessment of cervix and vagina in women with uterine malformations

Abstract

Objectives To investigate the accuracy of threedimensional ultrasound (3D-US) with respect to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and compared to clinical examination, in the assessment of cervix and vagina in women with uterine malformations. Methods

Gel Sonovaginography

“…Attempts have been made previously to enhance evaluation by transvaginal sonography by various methods that produce a standoff. Introducing extra gel at the tip of the vaginal transducer had been tried earlier in cases with uterine anomalies to evaluate the cervix and vagina, 4 but with this method, sufficient gel cannot be introduced, and excessive air bubbles are a problem. The vagina has been evaluated on 3D imaging in a transperineal study in which the microbubbles gave the vaginal lumen an echogenic appearance 4 .…”

“…Introducing extra gel at the tip of the vaginal transducer had been tried earlier in cases with uterine anomalies to evaluate the cervix and vagina, 4 but with this method, sufficient gel cannot be introduced, and excessive air bubbles are a problem. The vagina has been evaluated on 3D imaging in a transperineal study in which the microbubbles gave the vaginal lumen an echogenic appearance 4 . Saline was infused into the vagina to create an acousticwindow, thereby improving visualization of the rectovaginal septum for deep infiltrating endometriosis as early as 2003 10 .…”

“…The vagina has been evaluated on 3D imaging in a transperineal study in which the microbubbles gave the vaginal lumen an echogenic appearance. 4 Saline was infused into the vagina to create an acoustic window, thereby improving visualization of the rectovaginal septum for deep infiltrating endometriosis as early as 2003. 10 However, this process was cumbersome, was done intraoperatively, and required a second operator to keep the labia majora closed.…”

Uterine Malformations: Diagnosis with 3D/4D Ultrasound

“…It is a very important plane in the diagnosis of these malformations. 29,65 To distinguish these small anomalies is important not only because of their different reproductive prognosis, but also because of different ways and techniques of treatment.…”

“…29,38,7982 Exceptional cases have been described (communicating uteri) 29,76 and very recently some others affecting cervix and vagina. 65 Accurate diagnosis in uterine malformations with 3D US is known for years. Jurkovic et al 1995 75 compared…”