Assessment of Uterine Fibroids in Pre and Post Menopausal Women by Transabdominal Ultrasound

Abstract

Background: Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors of the uterus, affecting a significant proportion of women, particularly during their reproductive years. These growths can lead to symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and reproductive issues, thus impacting women's quality of life. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of uterine fibroids in pre- and post-menopausal women and to assess the sensitivity of transabdominal ultrasound in diagnosing these fibroids. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over six months in the Radiology Department of District Headquarter Hospital, Swabi, KP, Pakistan. The study included pre- and post-menopausal women presenting with abnormal vaginal bleeding or diagnosed with symptomatic uterine fibroids, excluding those with known endometrial hyperplasia, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, gynecologic malignancies, adnexal pathology, or pregnancy. Transabdominal ultrasound was performed with patients in a supine position and a filled urinary bladder, using both longitudinal and transverse sections. Data were collected on demographic information, clinical presentation, and ultrasound findings, and were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 112 women participated in the study. Among these, 94 (83.9%) reported pelvic pain, while 18 (16.1%) did not. The locations of fibroids identified were anterior (44, 39.3%), fundal (25, 22.3%), and posterior (43, 38.4%). Intramural fibroids were present in 61 (54.5%) patients, submucosal fibroids in 32 (28.5%), and subserosal fibroids in 19 (17.0%). Premenopausal women had a higher prevalence of fibroids (80) compared to postmenopausal women (32). Conclusion: Transabdominal ultrasound is a sensitive and reliable diagnostic tool for detecting uterine fibroids. It should be considered the primary imaging modality for evaluating abnormal uterine bleeding across different age groups, providing accurate and non-invasive diagnosis.