Abstract

using the VOCAL (Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis) imaging program which is integrated into the Voluson E8 ultrasound system. The intrauterine content was sent for microscopic examination. The findings were compared with corresponding volumes and findings from women with uncomplicated postpartum periods from a previous study. Results: In 17 of the 20 cases placental remnants were verified by the microscopic examination. Five of these women had a uterine volume that exceeded the largest interquartile volume observed in women with a normal puerperium and in 4 the volume exceeded the largest volume observed in the normal puerperium. The other 12 women had normal uterine volumes. Fifteen of the 17 women with placental remnants had a uterine cavity volume that exceeded the interquartile volume observed in women with a normal puerperium and in 13 the volume exceeded the largest volume observed in the normal puerperium. In all 9 cases examined 42 days or more after delivery the uterine cavity volume exceeded the largest volume observed in the normal puerperium. In all examined women an echogenic mass was seen in the uterine cavity. Conclusions: The uterine and especially the uterine cavity volumes are often larger in women with placental remnants compared to women with an uneventful postpartum course. This knowledge can be of help when placental remnants are to be verified or ruled out. A finding of an echogenic mass in the cavity has a strong correlation with the presence of placental remnants.

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