Sonoelastographic assessment of the normal uterus and ovaries using the Shear Wave Elastography according to different menstrual phases

Abstract

Objective: In most of the gynecological studies conducted using the Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) method in the literature, the menstrual cycle period was not taken into account. Current study, we aimed to describe the sonoelastographic features of normal myometrium and ovaries in healthy women and to define their variability during the different phases of the menstrual cycle using the SWE method. Material and methods: All cases were selected from individuals between the ages of 24-31, with regular menstrual cycles and no systemic disease. Each case was called in, 1-5th, 12-16th, 21-24th day of their menstrual cycles and was evaluated by B-mode imaging and SWE in pelvic ultrasonography. The relationship of menstrual phases with uterine and ovarian elasticity was investigated by comparing all measurements made in different menstrual phases. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between the volume of right and left ovaries in terms (p> 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of elastography measurements obtained from the uterus, right and left ovaries for each menstrual phase according to Bonferroni Correction (p> 0.0163). Conclusion: Although there was a slight decrease in myometrial SWE measurements in the follicular phase, there was no significant difference regarding the SWE measurements of uterus and ovaries in early follicular, peri-ovulatory, and luteal menstrual stages. Further studies with a large number of participants are needed to suggest whether gynecological studies planned to be carried out with the shear wave elastography method should be planned in a specific menstrual phase.