Transvaginal Ultrasound Examination Research Articles

The association between sonographic features and clinical symptoms of adenomyosis.

To investigate the association of sonographic features and clinical symptoms of adenomyosis. This was a prospective observational study. Only reproductive age women who underwent standardized transvaginal ultrasound examination were included. The diagnosis of adenomyosis was based on sonographic features proposed by Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA)group. Pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC) and numerical rating scale (NRS) were respectively used for the evaluation of menstrual bleeding and pain. Fifty-three women were recruited. Adenomyosis group consisted of 33 (62.3%) representative cases, whereas control group consisted of 20 (37.7%). Women with adenomyosis experienced significantly heavier menstrual bleeding (p = 0.008) and more painful menstrual periods (p = 0.003). Significant positive correlation between the number of sonographic adenomyosis features and both PBAC (r = 0.613, p < 0.001) and NRS scores (r = 0.402, p = 0.022) was found. PBAC score was significantly higher if either fan-shaped shadowing (r = 0.548, p = 0.001), interrupted junctional zone (JZ) (r = 0.548, p = 0.001) or globular uterus (r = 0.445, p = 0.011) was detected. Interrupted JZ (r = 0.440, p = 0.012) was associated with higher NRS score. Significant positive correlation between PBAC score and adenomyosis spread in uterine layers (r = 0.495, p = 0.004) was established. Certain sonographic features of adenomyosis and assessment of its involvement in uterine layers may predict the severity of adenomyosis symptoms.

Evaluation of preoperative ultrasound signs associated with bladder injury during complex Cesarean delivery: case-control study.

Intraoperative hemorrhage and peripartum hysterectomy are the main complications in patients presenting with a low-lying placenta or placenta previa undergoing repeat Cesarean delivery (CD). Patients with a high probability of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) at birth also have a higher risk of intraoperative urologic injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrasound signs and intraoperative features associated with these injuries. This was a retrospective case-control study of consecutive singleton pregnancies included in a prospective cohort of patients with a history of at least one prior CD and diagnosed prenatally with an anterior low-lying placenta or placenta previa at 32-36 weeks' gestation. All patients underwent investigational preoperative transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound examination within 48 h prior to delivery. Ultrasound anomalies of uterine contour and uteroplacental vascularity, and gross anomalies of the lower uterine segment (LUS) and surrounding pelvic tissue at delivery, were recorded using a standardized protocol, which included evaluation of the extent of uterine contour anomalies. The diagnosis of PAS was established when one or more placental lobules could not be separated digitally from the uterine wall at delivery or during the gross examination of the hysterectomy or partial myometrial resection specimens, and was confirmed by histopathology. Data were compared between cases complicated by intraoperative bladder injury and controls from the same cohort matched at a 1:3 ratio by parity and the number of prior CDs using conditional logistic regression. There were 16 (9.4%) patients with an intraoperative bladder injury in a cohort of 170 managed by the same multidisciplinary team during the study period. There were no patients diagnosed with ureteric or bladder trigone damage. There were 14 (87.5%) patients with a bladder injury that had histopathologic evidence of PAS at birth, including 11 (68.8%) cases described on microscopic examination as placenta increta and three (18.8%) as placenta creta. There was a significant (P = 0.03) difference between cases and controls in the distribution of the intraoperative LUS vascularity, whereby the higher the number of enlarged vessels, the higher the odds of bladder injury. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that both gestational age at delivery and LUS remodeling on transabdominal ultrasound were associated with bladder injury. A longer gestational age was associated with lower risk of injury. A higher LUS remodeling grade on transabdominal ultrasound was associated with an increased risk of bladder injury. Patients with Grade-3 remodeling (involving > 50% of the LUS) had 9-times higher odds of a bladder injury compared to patients with Grade-1 remodeling (involving < 30% of the LUS). Preoperative ultrasound examination is useful in the evaluation of the risk of intraoperative bladder injury in patients with a history of prior CD presenting with a low-lying placenta or placenta previa. The larger the remodeling of the LUS on transabdominal ultrasound, the higher the risk of adverse urologic events. © 2024 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Evaluating the development of endometriosis and adenomyosis lesions over time: An ultrasound study of symptomatic women.

There is a gap in knowledge regarding development of endometriosis and adenomyosis lesions visible at transvaginal ultrasound. The objectives were to evaluate if women with symptoms suggestive of endometriosis or adenomyosis but normal ultrasound examination develop endometriosis or adenomyosis lesions visible at ultrasound over time and if alterations of symptoms over time are associated with ultrasound findings at follow-up. This was a prospective cohort study of 100 symptomatic women with normal initial ultrasound examination during 2014-2017 who underwent follow-up ultrasound examination in 2022. Symptoms suggestive of endometriosis were assessed using visual analog scale at both examinations and minimal clinically important difference of 10 mm was considered as a significant alteration. An examiner with expertise in advanced ultrasound examination of endometriosis performed transvaginal ultrasound examinations in accordance with the consensus protocol by the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis group. At follow-up ultrasound examination of 100 women, 13 (13% [95% CI 7.1-21.2]) had visible endometriosis or adenomyosis lesions, 8 (8% [95% CI 3.5-15.2]) had endometriosis lesions, and 6 (6% [95% CI 2.2-12.6]) had adenomyosis. At follow-up, women with endometriosis or adenomyosis lesions reported lower intensity of dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain compared to women without lesions (48 mm [IQR 16-79] vs. 73 mm [IQR 46-85] and 45 mm [IQR 26-57] vs. 57 mm [IQR 36-75], p = 0.087 and p = 0.026, respectively). None of the women with endometriosis or adenomyosis lesions reported increased intensity of dysmenorrhea at follow-up, compared to 32/86 women (37%) without lesions (p = 0.008). Increased intensity of chronic pelvic pain tended to be less common in women with lesions compared to those without (3/13 [23%] vs. 35/86 [41%], p = 0.223). Our findings suggest that in symptomatic women, endometriosis and adenomyosis lesions visible at ultrasound may develop over time. However, majority of women remain having normal ultrasound examinations despite symptoms. Exacerbation of dysmenorrhea or chronic pelvic pain during follow-up was not associated with the development of endometriosis or adenomyosis lesions visible at ultrasound, suggesting that even women with less severe symptoms might benefit from a follow-up ultrasound when indicated.

SONOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF CHRONIC CERVICITIS

Introduction. Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs (IDPO) remain the most relevant issue in contemporary gynecology. In modern diagnostics of reproductive organ pathologies, a highly effective and accessible method is ultrasound examination. Recent studies in this field, conducted using high-frequency digital transvaginal echography, have significantly contributed to reevaluating the potential of ultrasonographic diagnosis of the cervix; however, further research is warranted.&#x0D; The aim of this research is to enhance the diagnosis of cervical changes in cervicitis.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study included 68 women with chronic cervicitis. The diagnosis was established based on clinical, colposcopy, and bacterioscopist examinations. During transvaginal ultrasound examinations, the cervix was visualized in both longitudinal and transverse projections for all patients. The patients with chronic cervicitis were divided into two groups: Group I consisted of 37 patients with visual changes in the cervix, while Group II comprised 31 women without any changes. A comparison group included 35 healthy women.&#x0D; Results. Chronic cervicitis is characterized by an increase in the thickness and volume of the cervix, as well as the heterogeneity of the stroma due to cystic cavities, with elevated ratios of cervix thickness to length and endocervix thickness to cervix thickness. Significant sonographic signs of the inflammatory process in the endocervix also include certain structural features, such as indistinct contours, increased echogenicity, small cysts, and multiple microcalcifications in the endocervix, uneven dilation of the cervical canal, and an area of reduced echogenicity.&#x0D; Conclusions. Therefore, a thorough ultrasound examination to determine the condition of the cervix, thickness, and structure of the endocervix can be a valuable adjunct non-invasive tool in the diagnosis of chronic cervicitis and can assist clinicians in diagnosing this pathology even in cases where there are no visual changes in the cervix during an examination.

First-trimester cavum veli interpositi: prevalence and natural history.

To confirm the identity and assess the prevalence and evolution of the fluid-filled interhemispheric midline structure, thought to be the cavum veli interpositi (CVI), in fetuses at 11-14 weeks' gestation. This was a retrospective study of first-trimester ultrasound scans performed at a single center over 3 months. Inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancies at 11-14 weeks' gestation with known neonatal outcome. Five experts reviewed the images. Mixed-effects logistic regression and generalized estimating equations (GEE) were conducted to analyze the associations between the presence of the structure and variables including ultrasound approach (transabdominal vs transvaginal), maternal body mass index (BMI), gestational age, fetal crown-rump length (CRL) and biparietal diameter (BPD). Second-trimester ultrasound scans of the fetal central nervous system at 18-24 weeks' gestation were evaluated for the persistence of the CVI in fetuses in which the structure was observed in the first trimester. Of the 223 cases reviewed, 104 were included, among which the CVI was observed in 25 (24%) cases. There was no statistically significant difference in CVI visualization between transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound examinations. GEE showed significant associations between the presence of the fetal structure and CRL (odds ratio (OR) per 10-unit increase, 1.32; P < 0.0001) and BPD (OR per 10-unit increase, 1.88; P = 0.0011). Maternal BMI and gestational age showed no significant effect on the presence of the CVI. At second-trimester follow-up of the 25 fetuses in which the CVI was observed initially, 44% still showed a CVI, 32% exhibited a cavum vergae, 4% had both structures and 20% had neither. Based on its anatomical location and, in some fetuses, its visualization as a distinct entity from the third ventricle, the identity of the interhemispheric midline structure in the suprathalamic region of the fetal brain between 11-14 weeks' gestation was confirmed as the CVI. The CVI and/or cavum vergae persisted into the second trimester in 80% of fetuses identified initially as having a CVI. Its presence is not linked to pathology, offering reassurance to practitioners and parents. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

An endometrial receptivity scoring system evaluated by ultrasonography in patients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer: a prospective cohort study.

Ultrasound has become a routine method for endometrial receptivity (ER) evaluation. However, there is controversy over the independent evaluation values of various ultrasound indicators. Some researchers have designed multi-indicator prediction systems, but their prediction values are uneven. To further our understanding of ER, we conducted this prospective cohort study to estimate ER noninvasively and effectively. Women who underwent the first frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle from April 2019 to July 2021 were included in the study. On the day of transfer, transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasound examination was performed to evaluate ER, including endometrial thickness, morphology, volume, movement, blood flow and flow index. The clinical pregnancy rate was the primary outcome. Based on whether clinical pregnancy was achieved, enrolled patients were divided into pregnant and nonpregnant groups. This study analyzed 197 FET patients (139 pregnancies in total, 70.5%). The protective factors for clinical pregnancy included primary infertility [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.98; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-3.882; p = 0.047] and more frequent endometrial peristalsis (aOR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.028-1.722; p = 0.03). Scores of 1-2 were assigned according to the relationship between different ultrasound indicators and the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR). The ER score of the patient was the sum of the scores of the 6 items. The ER score of the pregnant group was significantly higher than that of the nonpregnant group (7.40 ± 1.73 vs. 6.33 ± 1.99, p = 0.001). The CPR increased with an increasing ER score. The CPR in the ER < 6 group was significantly lower than that in the ER >6 group (45.5% vs. 75.6%, p = 0.001). A noninvasive ultrasound scoring system for ER was proposed. This system may provide a non-invasive guidance perspective, in conjunction with invasive assessments currently used in clinical practice, to achieve more effective embryo transfer.

Laparoscopic Multibipolar Radiofrequency Myolysis for Symptomatic Myomas in 10 Steps

ObjectiveTo describe a minimal invasive 10-step technique of laparoscopic multibipolar radiofrequency myolysis for symptomatic myomas. DesignA step-by-step video demonstration of the technique SettingA woman with symptomatic FIGO 5 myoma of 60 mm of diameter, confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. The patient included in this video gave consent for publication of the video and posting of the video online including social media, the journal website, scientific literature websites (such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, etc.) and other applicable sites. InterventionsApproximately 30% of women of child-bearing age with myomas will present with symptoms (1) that include chronic pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding or infertility (2-3). Data regarding fertility preservation and obstetrical outcomes suggest that radiofrequency myoma ablation may offer an alternative to existing treatments for women who desire future fertility (4). The local institutional review board stated that approval was not required because the video describes a technique and not a clinical case. In our center, all radiofrequency indications are discussed during a monthly multidisciplinary myomas meeting.This video presents the procedure divided into the following 10 steps: planning of the surgery; materials; installation; laparoscopic exploration; transvaginal ultrasound examination; visual and transvaginal ultrasound guided transparietal puncture of the myoma; control of the applicators’ position; radiofrequency myolysis; end of myolysis, applicators removal; final check and additional procedures. ConclusionRadiofrequency myolysis is a simple and reproductible procedure that can be offered as an alternative to myomectomy (5). This video presents 10 steps to make the procedure easier to adopt and to reduce its learning curve.

Uterine vascular abnormalities linked to pregnancy complications: color and power Doppler-assisted transvaginal ultrasound evaluation.

Abnormal uterine vascular pattern can be observed during transvaginal ultrasound examination used for investigating post-abortion bleeding and secondary postpartum hemorrhage. The purpose of this series of cases was to evaluate almost all the rare causes of uterine vascular abnormalities linked to pregnancy complications, and determine how to arrive at the diagnosis to optimize patient management, which is crucial for preventing life-threatening massive vaginal bleeding. Retrospective observational case series study including 20 women with postpartum or post-abortion vaginal bleeding who were found to have an abnormal uterine vascular pattern during a transvaginal color duplex assessment. The study yielded the following findings: 10 cases of enhanced myometrial vascularity, two cases of pseudoaneurysm in the uterine artery, one case of myometrial venous varix, one case of large uterine venous pseudoaneurysm, one case of uterine arteriovenous malformation, one case of retained placental polyp, one case of invasive vesicular mole, and three cases of subinvolution of the placental implantation site. Transvaginal color duplex ultrasound plays a crucial role in detecting uterine vascular abnormalities as a cause of post-abortion or secondary postpartum hemorrhage and can help differentiate the pathologies responsible for the abnormal vascular pattern, which is highly recommended to optimize patient management.

Prevalence of adenomyosis features in women scheduled for assisted reproductive treatment, using the Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment group definitions.

Studies that use standardized ultrasonographic criteria to diagnose adenomyosis in subfertile women are needed. These would improve the understanding of the disease burden and enable further studies on its impact on fertility and assisted reproductive treatment (ART) outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of different features of adenomyosis in women scheduled for their first ART, diagnosed at two (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) using the revised Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) group definitions. This was a prospective, observational cross-sectional study of subfertile women aged 25 to ≤39 years, that were referred to a university hospital for their first ART between December 2018 and May 2021. Of 1224 eligible women, 1160 women fulfilled the inclusion criteria and consented to participate in the study. All women underwent a systematic 2D and 3D TVUS examination. The primary outcome was the presence of direct and indirect features of adenomyosis, as proposed by the MUSA group. Secondary outcomes were to describe the ultrasonographic characteristics of the different features, as well as any difference in the diagnostics at 2D or 3D TVUS and any association with clinical characteristics such as endometriosis. At least one direct or indirect feature of adenomyosis was observed in 272 (23.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 21.0-25.9) women. Direct features that are pathognomonic for the disease were observed in 111 (9.6%, 95% CI, 7.9-11.3) women. Direct features were visible only at 3D TVUS in 56 (4.8%, 95% CI 3.6-6.1) women, that is, 56/111 (50.5%) of women with at least one direct adenomyosis feature. Direct features were more common in women with endometriosis (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.8-4.3). We found than one in 10 women scheduled for ART had direct features of adenomyosis at ultrasound examination. The present study suggests that the use of 3D TVUS is an important complement to 2D in the diagnostics of adenomyosis. Our results may further improve the counseling of women scheduled for ART and enables future studies on the impact of different features of adenomyosis on subfertility, ART results and obstetric outcomes.

Preoperative diagnosis of ureteral medial deviations secondary to deep endometriosis using transvaginal ultrasound examinations: Can we predict the need for ureterolysis during laparoscopic surgery?

To evaluate ureteral involvement using transvaginal sonography (TVS) regarding the distortion of the course of the ureters caused by deep endometriosis (DE), which can facilitate predicting the need for ureterolysis during surgery, even in the absence of ureteral stenosis or dilatation. This is a single-center, observational, retrospective pilot study of 88 consecutive patients who later underwent surgery for DE that used ultrasound preoperative diagnosis of ureteral medial deviation of one or both ureters between January 2019 and January 2022. At TVS, the course of the ureter was considered medialized if, in longitudinal and transversal section, any distance was detectable between the ureter and the cervix at the point where the ureter crosses the uterine artery. The primary end point was to determine sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of "ureteral medial deviation" diagnosed using TVS, in order to predict the need for ureterolysis. Our series included 88 women with a median age of 39 (interquartile range 33-43) years. Ureteral medialization showed a relatively low false-positive rate (10.9%), with a specificity of 89.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 81.4%-96.7%) and a sensitivity of 86.6% (95% CI 80.3%-92.9%), along with a high positive predictive value of 93.3% (95% CI 88.4%-98.1%), and a lower negative predictive value of 79.1% (95% CI 69.8%-88.5%), respectively. This study introduced a new ultrasound sign with a high degree of accuracy to predict ureterolysis and this may have positive implications in the management and surgical planning of patients with ureteral endometriosis.

Validation of an Anti-Müllerian Hormone Cutoff for Polycystic Ovarian Morphology in the Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in the HARMONIA Study: Protocol for a Prospective, Noninterventional Study.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women and is diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria, including diagnosis of polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) by transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). Due to high cost, availability, and the impact of the operator and ultrasound equipment on the reliability of the antral follicle count (AFC) by TVUS, an unmet need exists for a diagnostic test to determine PCOM without TVUS. A strong positive correlation between elevated anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and AFCs has been demonstrated in women with PCOS. In addition, recent updates to the international evidence-based PCOS guidelines state that serum AMH can be used as an alternative to TVUS-determined AFC, in the diagnosis of PCOM. The retrospective APHRODITE study derived and validated an AMH cutoff of 3.2 ng/mL for the Elecsys AMH Plus or Elecsys AMH assays (Roche) to diagnose PCOM in patients with PCOS. This study aims to further validate, in an independent prospective cohort, the AMH cutoff (3.2 ng/mL) for PCOM determination, which was previously derived and validated in the APHRODITE study. This large, prospective, multicenter, population-based, noninterventional study will evaluate the previously established AMH cutoff for the determination of PCOM during the diagnosis of PCOS using the Elecsys AMH Plus immunoassay in an independent population. Participants were women born between July 1985 and December 1987 in Northern Finland; the study partially links to the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986. We assessed the enrolled women, determined with the 2023 PCOS Guidelines, for current PCOS status and divided them by phenotype if positive. Each participant had 1 study visit to collect serum samples, record clinical data, and undergo a gynecological examination including TVUS. All data were collected by highly trained midwives or trained gynecologists. Sensitivity, specificity, and agreement measures were used to validate the previously determined cutoff in the whole population and in subpopulations based on phenotype and relevant demographic or clinical factors. The minimum target sample size was approximately 1800 women, including approximately 10% with PCOS. At the time of manuscript submission, participant recruitment had concluded, and 1803 women were enrolled into the study. Data collection is complete and biostatistical analysis is planned for 2023. To limit variability, there were few TVUS operators and only 2 TVUS machines of the same type. Additionally, all women who were taking oral contraceptives were excluded from the primary analysis population. Selection bias was limited as this was a population-based study and participants were not seeking treatment for PCOS symptoms. Validating the AMH cutoff in a large, population-based study will provide further evidence on the utility of the Elecsys AMH Plus or Elecsys AMH assays in PCOM diagnosis as an alternative to TVUS. Measuring AMH for PCOM diagnosis could reduce delayed or missed diagnoses due to operator-dependent TVUS examinations. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05527353; http://tinyurl.com/2f3ffbdz. DERR1-10.2196/48854.

Pharmacodynamic evaluation of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant initiated midcycle with and without ulipristal acetate: An exploratory study

ObjectiveTo estimate the incidence of ovulation suppression within five days of etonogestrel 68 mg implant insertion in the presence of a dominant follicle with and without same-day ulipristal acetate. Study designThis single site non-masked, exploratory randomized trial recruited people age 18–35 years with regular menstrual cycles, no pregnancy risk, and confirmed ovulatory function. We initiated transvaginal ultrasound examinations on menstrual day 7–9 and randomized participants 1:1 to etonogestrel implant alone or with concomitant ulipristal acetate 30 mg oral when a dominant follicle reached ≥14 mm in diameter. We completed daily sonography and serum hormone levels for up to seven days or transitioned to labs alone if sonographic follicular rupture occurred. We defined ovulation as follicular rupture followed by progesterone >3 ng/mL. We calculated point estimates, risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals for ovulation for each group. Ovulation suppression of ≥44% in either group (the follicular rupture suppression rate with oral levonorgestrel emergency contraception), would prompt future method testing. ResultsFrom October 2020 to October 2022, we enrolled 40 people and 39 completed primary outcome assessments: 20 with etonogestrel implant alone (mean follicular size at randomization: 15.2 mm ± 0.9 mm) and 19 with etonogestrel implant + ulipristal acetate (mean follicular size at randomization: 15.4 mm ± 1.2 mm, p = 0.6). Ovulation suppression occurred in 13 (65%) of etonogestrel implant-alone participants (Risk ratio 0.6 (95% CI: 0.3, 1.1), p = 0.08) and seven (37%) of implant + ulipristal acetate participants. ConclusionsOvulation suppression of the etonogestrel implant alone exceeds threshold testing for future research while the implant + ulipristal acetate does not. ImplicationsData are lacking on midcycle ovulation suppression for the etonogestrel implant with and without oral ulipristal acetate. In this exploratory study, ovulation suppression occurred in 65% of implant participants and 37% of implant + ulipristal acetate participants. Ovulation suppression of the implant alone exceeds threshold testing for future emergency contraception research.

Evaluation of Endometrial Thickness by Transvaginal Sonography in Postmenopausal Women with Bleeding: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB), occurring atleast one year after menopause, is one of the most concerning complaints among gynaecological patients. Endometrial atrophy is the most common endometrial finding in women with Postmenopausal Bleeding (PMB), approximately 10-15% of whom have endometrial carcinoma. Earlier studies suggested that obesity, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension are risk factors for endometrial hyperplasia. Diabetes mellitus, obesity, and hypertension form the triad of endometrial cancer. Aim: To assess endometrial thickness by Transvaginal Sonography (TVS) and compare it with histopathological findings in women with PMB, evaluating whether an endometrial thickness of &lt;4 mm on TVS is more suggestive of malignancy. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at King George Hospital, Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India, from January 2022 to December 2022, comprising n=100 subjects. After routine necessary investigations for PMB, a transvaginal ultrasound examination was carried out to calculate endometrial thickness and compare it with the results of histopathological diagnosis of the endometrium. The parameters assessed were endometrial thickness and appearance, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, and Body Mass Index (BMI). The data was compiled and compared using the Chi-square test, with a p-value of ≤0.05 considered highly significant. Results: The results showed normal atrophic and thickened endometrium in 36% of subjects each, and abnormal endometrium such as hyperplasia, carcinoma, and polyps were recorded in 14%, 8%, and 6% (n=6) of cases, respectively. The histopathological results showed normal endometrium such as atrophic, secretory, and proliferative endometrium in 49%, 6%, and 19% of subjects, respectively. Abnormal endometrial findings such as endometrial hyperplasia, carcinoma, and polyps were observed in 14%, 7%, and 5% of cases, respectively. The majority of cases (58%) had endometrial thickness ≤4 mm, followed by 36% of cases with 5-10 mm and 6% of cases &gt;11 mm, with mean and Standard Deviation (SD) values of 5.8±3. mm Statistical analysis data on the association between TVS findings and Histopathological Examination (HPE) findings was observed to be statistically significant (p&lt;0.001). A statistically significant association was observed between T2DM, and BMI &gt;25 kg/m2 together, DM+hypertension+BMI (Triad) and endometrial thickness, respectively. Conclusion: The TVS is easy, simple, non invasive, and involves no complications. Therefore, it can be used as the first diagnostic step in the investigations of women with PMB, combined with histopathological assessment.

Comparison between trans-vaginal and trans-abdominal ultrasound examination of the cervix in the second trimester of pregnancy: a prospective study.

To compare transvaginal (TV) and trans-abdominal (TA) ultrasound assessment of cervical length (CL) at the time of the second-trimester scan for fetal anomalies. This was a prospective study including consecutive pregnant women attending the low-risk ultrasound clinic of two fetal medicine centres in Italy. The inclusion criteria were women between 19+0 and 22+0weeks of gestation, attending the prenatal ultrasound clinic for the routine second trimester screening for fetal anomalies. The primary outcome was to compare the CL measurement obtained at TV compared to TA ultrasound; the secondary outcome was to report the inter and intra-observer variability of CL measured with the two different approaches. All women underwent TV and TA assessment of the cervix performed by two experienced certified operators, blinded to each other. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman analyses were used to analyse the data. Two hundred and fifty women were included in the analysis. All women had anteverted uterus. The mean gestational age at ultrasound was 20.7±0.7weeks; 1.2 % (3/250) scans were performed at 19weeks, 49.2 % (123/250) at 20weeks, 44.8 % (112/250) at 21weeks and 4.8 % (12/250) at 22weeks of gestations. Identification of the major landmarks of CL at TA ultrasound was achieved in all the included cases. There was good reliability between CL measured at TA (ICC 0.95, 95 % CI 0.93-0.97 for observer 1 and 0.92 %, 95 % CI0.89-0.94 for observer 2) and TV ultrasound 0.97, 95 % CI0.96-0.98 for observer 1 and 0.96, 95 % CI 0.95-0.97 for observer 2). There was also good reliability between the two observers for both the TA and TV assessment of the CL. Mean TA CL was 41.4±5.5 for observer 1 and 40.5±4.8 for observer 2 with no significant differences between the two measurements (mean difference 0.92 mm, 95 % CI-9.7 to 11.2). Likewise, there was no difference between the CL measured at TV ultrasound between the two observers (mean difference-0.83 mm, 95 % CI-5.97 to 4.30). Finally, there was no difference in the mean CL measured at TA compared to TV, either considering the overall population of women (mean difference:-0.43, 955 CI-8.65 to 7.79), or when stratifying the analysis according to the parity status and the operator. Among experienced operators, there was no difference between TV and TA ultrasound assessment of the CL at the time of the routine anomaly scan for fetal anomaly.

Sonographic Findings of Vascular Signals for Retained Products of Conception in Women Following First-Trimester Termination of Pregnancy

ObjectivesTo evaluate the occurrence of retained products of conception (RPOC) after termination of pregnancy in the first trimester and to assess the vascular signals with transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) examination in the detection of retained products. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed using TVUS examination in patients following termination of pregnancy. In cases of RPOC, 3 scales of vascular signal were identified: type 1, no or small amount, spot flow signals; type 2, medium amount, strip-like flow signals; type 3, rich amount, circumferential-like flow signals. The correlation between vascular signals and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) staging was proposed by sonography and histopathology findings. ResultsThe 3 vascular patterns were differently distributed within non-RPOC as well as RPOC patients with and without PAS: type 1 vascular signal detection rates of non-RPOC and RPOC were 97.8% (262/268) and 28.1% (18/64), respectively. Of 64 cases of RPOC, 48.4% (31/64) of the patients had type 2 vascular signals. Vascular signals were enhanced in RPOC with PAS patients whose diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology. ConclusionsThe vascularity (amount of flow), vascular pattern (spot, strip- or circumferential-like flow), and the flow penetrating myometrium were significant findings for distinguishing concomitant RPOC with and without PAS. Additionally, RPOC may contribute to PAS progression, or PAS and RPOC in coordination strengthen the observed vascular signals.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Transvaginal Ultrasound in Adenomyosis Taking MRI as a Gold Standard.

To evaluate the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound in the diagnosis of adenomyosis using MRI as the gold standard, and to characterise the most commonly seen and accurate ultrasonographic features and their combination. Cross-sectional, descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Radiology, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January 2018 to July 2021. Transvaginal ultrasound examination was performed on patients (n = 208) who presented with symptoms related to menstrual cycles and pelvic abnormalities. Additionally, patients who sought infertility evaluation were also included in the study. The findings from the ultrasound examinations were assessed and tabulated alongside the results of the MRI scans. All examinations were conducted by senior radiologists / sonographers. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively) of ultrasound features were calculated individually and in combination, taking MRI as the gold standard. To enhance the accuracy of ultrasound findings, various variables were combined, and their sensitivities and specificities were calculated. Overall, transvaginal ultrasound had a high specificity of 96.15% (95% CI: 85.67 - 99.33), a relatively low sensitivity of 74.36% (95% CI: 66.63 - 80.85), PPV of 98.31 (95% CI: 93.40 - 99.70) and NPV of 55.56 (95% CI: 44.73 - 65.90). The most sensitive dual variable used was a bulky uterus combined with altered myometrial echotexture, with a sensitivity of 72.97% (95% CI: 64.95 - 79.78) and specificity of 95.83% (95% CI: 84.57-99.27). The best combined triple variable was a bulky uterus with altered echotexture and streaky myometrium, with a sensitivity of 71.85% (95% CI: 63.35 - 79.10) and a specificity of 95.46% (95% CI: 83.30 - 99.21). Transvaginal ultrasound features can identify adenomyosis characteristics in most of the patients. This could reduce the number of pelvic MRIs performed for the detection of adenomyosis. Adenomyosis, Diagnosis, Magnetic resonance imaging, Bulky uterus, Altered myometrial, Echotexture, Ultrasound.

A cross-sectional survey of women’s views and preferences for preterm birth screening and treatment

ObjectivesPrimary outcomes were to determine; 1) the desire for more patient information from healthcare professionals on preterm birth (PTB) prevention 2) the desire for PTB screening surveillance or participation in research or 3) the acceptability of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) or vaginal examinations to predict spontaneous PTB. MethodsA 19-question, piloted, self-administered survey was completed by unselected pregnant women in a tertiary maternity hospital in Dublin, Ireland. Data was collected to include maternal socio-demographics, past obstetric history, and current pregnancy details, in addition to views and preferences on PTB screening and preventative treatments. Statistical analysis to include binary and multinomial regression was performed by IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows (Version 29.0). Results277 women completed the study survey. 9.4% of women had attended the preterm birth surveillance clinic (PSC). 75.1% of respondents indicated a preference for more information from healthcare professionals about PTB. 65% reported that TVUS and vaginal examinations were acceptable in pregnancy. The acceptability of antenatal examinations was significantly influenced by ethnicity; white European (OR 2.58, CI 1.12–5.95, p = 0.003) and Asian (OR 3.39, CI 1.18–9.67, p = 0.02). Discomfort (25.3%) and vaginal bleeding (11.9%) were the most frequently reported concerns about TVUS. 95.7% of unselected women indicated that they would accept treatment to prevent PTB. Vaginal progesterone (53.8%) was preferred treatment compared to cervical cerclage (15.9%) or cervical pessary (16.6%).55.6% of respondents stated they attend or wish to attend for additional appointments or research opportunities for PTB screening. Women with a previous PTB or second trimester miscarriage were more likely to attend or wish to attend for PTB screening (OR 3.23, CI 1.34–7.79, p = 0.009). ConclusionPTB is an important healthcare priority for pregnant women in Ireland. However, women require more information, counselling and reassurance about the utility and safety of TVUS in PSCs.

Comparison of classic single-layer uterin suture and double-layer purse-string suture techniques for uterus closure in terms of postoperative short-term uterine isthmocele: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

To compare the short-term results of classic single-layer uterine closure and double-layer purse-string uterine closure (Turan technique) techniques in cesarean section in terms of the incidence of ischiocele formation. This was a prospective randomized controlled trial study. Participants undergoing first-time cesarean delivery were randomized into two groups. Fifty-eight participants were included in the double-layered uterine closure group (study group), while 53 participants were randomized into the classical single-layered uterine closure group (control group). For comparison of isthmocele formation, transvaginal ultrasound examination was planned in all patients 6 weeks after surgery. The operation data,the formation of isthmocele, its dimensions and volume were recorded. A total of 111 women were included in the study. The incidence of ischiocele at 6 weeks after birth was not significantly different between the groups (p=0.128). Isthmosel was detected in 20.8% of single-layer closures, and this rate was determined as 10.3% in the purse technique. In the Kerr incision made during surgery, the uterine incision size did not differ in either group, but the uterine incision length after suturing was significantly smaller in the purse technique compared with the other group (p<0.001). The incidence of ischiocele formation after cesarean section and the depth of the ischiocele was independent of the uterotomy closure technique.

Intra- and interobserver reproducibility of transvaginal ultrasound for the detection and measurement of endometriotic lesions of the bowel.

The number and invasion depth of endometriotic bowel lesions, total length of bowel affected by endometriosis, lesion-to-anal verge distance, and extent of pouch of Douglas obliteration are important factors in preoperatively determining risk and complexity of endometriosis surgery. The intra- and interobserver reproducibility of transvaginal ultrasound in the evaluation of many of these parameters has not yet been investigated. Our study aimed to assess the intra- and interobserver reproducibility of transvaginal ultrasound between an experienced and less experienced examiner for all of these parameters. This prospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2019 and November 2020. Fifty consecutive premenopausal women who underwent transvaginal ultrasound examination in our clinic for the first time, were examined by the same two operators during the same attendance. Outcomes of interest were the inter-rater reproducibility of transvaginal ultrasound for detecting the presence, number, depth and size of bowel endometriotic nodules, lesion-to-anal-verge distance, total length of bowel affected, and pouch of Douglas obliteration. The intraobserver reproducibility was assessed for the continuous parameters. Cohen's kappa (κ) statistic, Cohen's weighted kappa (κ), proportions of agreement, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman limits of agreement were used to assess the reproducibility of the parameters. The inter-rater agreement and reliability were very good for identifying bowel endometriosis, the number and invasion depth of bowel nodules, determining whether the maximum nodule length was <3 cm, and lesion-to-anal-verge distance <8 cm (proportion of agreement 0.92, 0.94, 0.97, 0.94, 0.96; κ 0.92, 0.91, 0.92, 0.82, 0.89). The inter-rater agreement and reliability were good for assessing pouch of Douglas obliteration (proportion of agreement 0.86, κ 0.80). The intra-rater reliability for the mean nodule diameter (ICC 0.93 and 0.97) and total length of bowel affected (ICC 0.94 and 0.91) were excellent for operators A and B, respectively. The inter-rater reliability for the mean nodule diameter was good (ICC 0.80), and moderate for the total length of bowel affected (ICC 0.70). The Bland-Altman limits of agreement demonstrated clinically acceptable ranges for these two parameters. This study demonstrated a high intra- and inter-rater reproducibility of transvaginal ultrasound in the diagnosis of bowel endometriosis and measurement of its various components.

Effects of chronic urticaria on ovarian reserve

Aims: To evaluate the ovarian reserve in women with chronic urticaria (CU).&#x0D; Methods: Thirty women with CU and twenty nine healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured on cycle day 2. All patients underwent transvaginal ultrasonographic examination on the second day of their menstrual cycle to assess Antral Follicle Count (AFC) and ovarian volume (OV). The disease activity of CU was measured with the urticaria control test (UCT) and urticaria activity score (UAS).&#x0D; Results: Women with CU had significantly lower concentrations of AMH, AFC, and E2 than controls. Additionally, total AFC and ovarian volume were significantly lower in women with CU than in the control group. UAS and UCT were positively associated with FSH and negatively associated with AMH, AFC, and OV.&#x0D; Conclusion: This is the first prospective controlled study to examine ovarian reserve in women with CU. In this study, we found that ovarian reserve was significantly reduced in women with CU. CU may negatively affect the ovarian reserve but the mechanism of this effect is unclear.