Transvaginal Ultrasound Examination Research Articles

Third-trimester ultrasound for antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum in women with placenta previa: results from the ADoPAD study.

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of third‐trimester ultrasound for the diagnosis of clinically significant placenta accreta spectrum disorder (PAS) in women with low‐lying placenta or placenta previa.MethodsThis was a prospective multicenter study of pregnant women aged ≥ 18 years who were diagnosed with low‐lying placenta (< 20 mm from the internal cervical os) or placenta previa (covering the internal cervical os) on ultrasound at ≥ 26 + 0 weeks' gestation, between October 2014 and January 2019. Ultrasound suspicion of PAS was raised in the presence of at least one of these signs on grayscale ultrasound: (1) obliteration of the hypoechogenic space between the uterus and the placenta; (2) interruption of the hyperechogenic interface between the uterine serosa and the bladder wall; (3) abnormal placental lacunae. Histopathological examinations were performed according to a predefined protocol, with pathologists blinded to the ultrasound findings. To assess the ability of ultrasound to detect clinically significant PAS, a composite outcome comprising the need for active management at delivery and histopathological confirmation of PAS was considered the reference standard. PAS was considered to be clinically significant if, in addition to histological confirmation, at least one of these procedures was carried out after delivery: use of hemostatic intrauterine balloon, compressive uterine suture, peripartum hysterectomy, uterine/hypogastric artery ligation or uterine artery embolization. The diagnostic performance of each ultrasound sign for clinically significant PAS was evaluated in all women and in the subgroup who had at least one previous Cesarean section and anterior placenta. Post‐test probability was assessed using Fagan nomograms.ResultsA total of 568 women underwent transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound examinations during the study period. Of these, 95 delivered in local hospitals, and placental pathology according to the study protocol was therefore not available. Among the 473 women for whom placental pathology was available, clinically significant PAS was diagnosed in 99 (21%), comprising 36 cases of placenta accreta, 19 of placenta increta and 44 of placenta percreta. The median gestational age at the time of ultrasound assessment was 31.4 (interquartile range, 28.6–34.4) weeks. A normal hypoechogenic space between the uterus and the placenta reduced the post‐test probability of clinically significant PAS from 21% to 5% in women with low‐lying placenta or placenta previa in the third trimester of pregnancy and from 62% to 9% in the subgroup with previous Cesarean section and anterior placenta. The absence of placental lacunae reduced the post‐test probability of clinically significant PAS from 21% to 9% in women with low‐lying placenta or placenta previa in the third trimester of pregnancy and from 62% to 36% in the subgroup with previous Cesarean section and anterior placenta. When abnormal placental lacunae were seen on ultrasound, the post‐test probability of clinically significant PAS increased from 21% to 59% in the whole cohort and from 62% to 78% in the subgroup with previous Cesarean section and anterior placenta. An interrupted hyperechogenic interface between the uterine serosa and bladder wall increased the post‐test probability for clinically significant PAS from 21% to 85% in women with low‐lying placenta or placenta previa and from 62% to 88% in the subgroup with previous Cesarean section and anterior placenta. When all three sonographic markers were present, the post‐test probability for clinically significant PAS increased from 21% to 89% in the whole cohort and from 62% to 92% in the subgroup with previous Cesarean section and anterior placenta.ConclusionsGrayscale ultrasound has good diagnostic performance to identify pregnancies at low risk of PAS in a high‐risk population of women with low‐lying placenta or placenta previa. Ultrasound may be safely used to guide management decisions and concentrate resources on patients with higher risk of clinically significant PAS. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Transvaginal ultrasound evaluation of the pelvis and symptoms after laparoscopic partial cystectomy for bladder endometriosis

Objective:To evaluate transvaginal sonography (TVS) findings after laparoscopic partial cystectomy for bladder endometriosis and to correlate postsurgical ultrasound findings with symptoms.Material and Methods:A retrospective study including women who underwent laparoscopic partial cystectomy for bladder endometriosis. Within 12 months after surgery, TVS examination was conducted in all patients to evaluate the bladder morphology, and the presence of any postsurgical sonographic findings of the pelvis. Painful symptoms were assessed using a visual analogue scale.Results:A total of 40 women were included. At the follow-up visit, 25 patients were receiving medical treatment while 15 had declined post-surgical therapy and had tried to conceive. The presence of bladder deep-infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) was found in nine (22.5%), fibrotic thickening of the bladder wall was found in 15 (37.5%), and normal bladder morphology was observed in 16 (40%). There was a correlation between anterior adenomyosis and bladder DIE, and fibrotic thickening of the bladder. Patients with TVS signs of bladder DIE and anterior adenomyosis suffered more dysmenorrhea and dysuria than patients with normal bladder.Conclusion:Post-operative TVS can detect the alteration of pelvis and could explain the causes of the persistence of symptoms.

The impact of endometriosis on embryo implantation in IVF procedures

Embryo implantation is the most important event in the achievement of conception. In the presence of any endometrial disease, this process can be hampered. The endometriosis is linked to causing infertility. It is a chronic uterine disease that is dependent on estrogens and is associated with reduced fecundity. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of endometriosis on embryo implantation in patients undergoing IVF. This is a case-control study, with case to control ratio of 5:1. The study included 50 patients with endometriosis and 10 patients without endometriosis served as control. The endometriosis was diagnosed by symptoms, pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound examinations. The serum estrogen levels, fertilization rate and implantation rate were determined. Since the presence of a haemorrhagic cyst was suspected at the ultrasonographic finding of masses parallel to the ovaries, measurement of the CA 125 marker was carried out for differential diagnosis. The data were recorded in Excel sheets and analysed using statistical functions of Excel. The significance level was set at 0.05%. Most of the patients in endometriosis group (68%) had elevated CA125 Levels and 56 % had high E 2 level. In the control, only one patient had high E2 level. In the endometriosis group, 31.67% had positive pregnancy test, while 90% patients without endometriosis had positive pregnancy test. These differences were statistically significant. These data reveal that the patients with endometriosis had significantly higher levels of E2 and CA125 marker in blood and had significantly lower implantation rates as compared to those in the control group.

Efficacy of transrectal ultrasound in assessing endometrium of postmenopausal women with axial uterus.

To evaluate the acceptance and efficacy of transrectal ultrasound (TRS) in assessing the endometrium in postmenopausal women with an axial uterus. This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted between October 2015 and October 2018 of consecutive postmenopausal women with an axial uterus on transvaginal ultrasound (TVS). Women with a known diagnosis of gynecological malignancy were excluded. TRS was offered immediately after TVS without prior bowel preparation. A single operator determined subjectively whether the endometrium was visualized satisfactorily on TVS and TRS. In women with postmenopausal bleeding (PMB), endometrial thickness (ET) was measured and endometrial morphology was categorized as atrophic, uniformly thickened, benign endometrial polyp or endometrial cancer, based on subjective pattern recognition. All women with PMB and a non-atrophic endometrium underwent outpatient endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy or hysterectomy. The success rate of TRS in assessing satisfactorily the endometrium was compared with that of TVS. In patients with PMB, ET measurements and subjective diagnosis of endometrial cancer on TVS vs TRS were compared. Of the 1553 women who underwent TVS examination, 103 (6.6%) had an axial uterus, of whom 76 (73.8%) presented with PMB. TRS was accepted by 66/103 (64.1%) women with an axial uterus. TRS assessed satisfactorily a significantly higher proportion of endometria compared with TVS (90.9% vs 62.1%; χ2 = 14.1, P < 0.001). In 50 women with PMB and an axial uterus who underwent both TVS and TRS, TVS failed to visualize the endometrium satisfactorily in 15 (30.0%) women, whilst TRS provided satisfactory images in all cases. Among the 35 women with PMB and a satisfactory endometrial assessment on TVS and TRS, measurements of ET on TRS were significantly lower compared to those on TVS (median difference, -1.2 (interquartile range, -3.0 to -0.4) mm). The overall agreement of TVS and TRS on the presence or absence of endometrial cancer using subjective pattern recognition was 30/35 (85.7%; 95% CI, 74.1-97.3%). While all seven cases of histologically confirmed endometrial cancer were diagnosed correctly on TRS, four were misdiagnosed on TVS as benign polyps or uniformly thickened endometrium. TRS is an acceptable and effective way to assess the endometrium in postmenopausal women with an axial uterus. Among women presenting additionally with PMB, TRS is associated with a higher proportion of satisfactory endometrial assessments and fewer misdiagnoses of endometrial cancer by subjective pattern recognition compared with TVS. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Ultrasound features of endometrial pathology in women without abnormal uterine bleeding: results from the International Endometrial Tumor Analysis study (IETA3).

The primary aim of this study was to describe the ultrasound features of various endometrial and other intracavitary pathologies in women without abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) using the International Endometrial Tumor Analysis (IETA) terminology. The secondary aim was to compare our findings with published data on women with AUB. This was a prospective observational study of women presenting at one of seven centers specialized in gynecological ultrasonography, from 2011 until 2018, for indications unrelated to AUB. All patients underwent transvaginal ultrasound using the IETA examination and measurement techniques. Ultrasonography was performed as part of routine gynecological examination or follow-up of non-endometrial pathology, or as part of the work-up before undergoing treatment for infertility, uterine prolapse or ovarian pathology. Ultrasound findings were described using the IETA terminology. Endometrial sampling was performed after the ultrasound scan. The histological endpoints were endometrial atrophy, proliferative or secretory endometrium, endometrial hyperplasia without atypia, endometrial polyp, intracavitary leiomyoma, endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN), endometrial cancer (EC) and insufficient tissue. The findings in our cohort of women without AUB were compared with those in a published cohort of women with AUB who were examined with transvaginal ultrasound between 2012 and 2015 using the same IETA examination technique and terminology. In this study (IETA3), we included 1745 women without AUB who underwent a standardized transvaginal ultrasound examination followed by either endometrial sampling with histological diagnosis (n = 1537) or at least 1 year of clinical and ultrasound follow-up (n = 208). Of these, 858 (49.2%) women were premenopausal and 887 (50.8%) were postmenopausal. Histology showed the presence of EC and/or EIN in 29 (1.7%) women, endometrial polyps in 1028 (58.9%), intracavitary myomas in 66 (3.8%), proliferative or secretory changes or hyperplasia without atypia in 144 (8.3%), endometrial atrophy in 265 (15.2%) and insufficient tissue in five (0.3%). Most cases of EC or EIN (25/29 (86.2%)) were diagnosed after menopause. The mean endometrial thickness in women with EC or EIN was 11.2 mm (95% CI, 8.9-13.6 mm), being on average 2.4 mm (95% CI, 0.3-4.6 mm) thicker than their benign counterparts. Women with malignant endometrial pathology manifested more frequently non-uniform echogenicity (22/29 (75.9%)) than did those with benign endometrial pathology (929/1716 (54.1%)) (difference, +21.8% (95% CI, +4.2% to +39.2%)). Moderate to abundant vascularization (color score 3-4) was seen in 31.0% (9/29) of cases with EC or EIN compared with 12.8% (220/1716) of those with a benign outcome (difference, +18.2% (95% CI, -0.5% to +36.9%)). Multiple multifocal vessels were recorded in 24.1% (7/29) women with EC or EIN vs 4.0% (68/1716) of those with a benign outcome (difference, +20.2% (95% CI, +4.6% to +35.7%)). A regular endometrial-myometrial junction was seen less frequently in women with EC or EIN (19/29 (65.5%)) vs those with a benign outcome (1412/1716 (82.3%)) (difference, -16.8% (95% CI, -34.2% to +0.6%)). In women with endometrial polyps without AUB, a single dominant vessel was the most frequent vascular pattern (666/1028 (64.8%)). In women with EC, both in those with and those without AUB, the endometrium usually manifested heterogeneous echogenicity, but the endometrium was on average 8.6 mm (95% CI, 5.2-12.0 mm) thinner and less intensely vascularized (color score 3-4: difference, -26.8% (95% CI, -52.2% to -1.3%)) in women without compared to those with AUB. In both pre- and postmenopausal women, asymptomatic endometrial polyps were associated with a thinner endometrium, and they manifested more frequently a bright edge, a regular endometrial-myometrial junction and a single dominant vessel than did polyps in symptomatic women, and they were less intensely vascularized. We describe the typical ultrasound features of EC, polyps and other intracavitary histologies using IETA terminology in women without AUB. Our findings suggest that the presence of asymptomatic polyps or endometrial malignancy may be accompanied by thinner and less intensely vascularized endometria than their symptomatic counterparts. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Clinicopathological features of endometrial lesions in asymptomatic postmenopausal women with thickened endometrium.

To analyze the clinical and pathological features of asymptomatic postmenopausal women with an incidentally detected increase in endometrial thickness (ET) by transvaginal ultrasound examination and discuss the cutoff value of ET for the timely discovery of endometrial malignancy. This was a retrospective study of postmenopausal women with asymptomatic thickened endometrium (greater than or equal to 5 mm) screened by transvaginal ultrasound who were referred to the gynecology department at Xuanwu Hospital between January 2018 and March 2021. Data on participant demographics, clinical characteristics, and histopathology outcomes were collected. We stratified the participants into the benign group and malignant group according to pathology results and assessed differences between the two groups. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to identify the cutoff value of ET for predicting endometrial malignancy in postmenopausal women with asymptomatic thickened endometrium. A total of 163 eligible cases were included in the analysis. The results showed that only ET was significantly different between the two groups. The median ET was significantly higher in the malignant group than in the benign group (1.20 vs 0.80, P = 0.023). The optimal cutoff value of ET was 10 mmwith the maximum AUC (0.881, 95% CI 0.810-0.952, P = 0.024), and the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of endometrial malignancy were 100%and 80%, respectively. Among the 47 women with ET ≥ 10mm, the prevalence of endometrial malignancy was 6.3%, which was significantly higher than that among women with ET < 10mm ( P = 0.023). For postmenopausal women with asymptomatic endometrial thickening, the prevalence of endometrial malignancy is significantly higher when ET is ≥ 10 mm. If ET is ≥ 10mm, further histopathological testing should be recommended to exclude endometrial malignancy. Further large-sample and prospective studies are needed to determine the predictive value of ET.

Value of Transvaginal Sonography in Antenatal Management of Ectopic Pregnancy

Introduction: Ectopic pregnancy is a high-risk condition which can lead to mortality and morbidity if not diagnosed and managed promptly. Transvaginal Sonography (TVS) has a major role in diagnosing ectopic pregnancy. Certain signs if identified accurately on TVS examination can help predict or exclude ectopic pregnancy precisely.&#x0D; Aims &amp; Objectives: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of TVS examination in detecting ectopic pregnancy. It also aims to highlight the need of TVS examination in routine antenatal care during early pregnancy.&#x0D; Place and duration of study: The study was carried out at Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore with the collaborated effort of Radiology Department and Department of Gynae &amp; Obs. It was conducted over the period of three years from 1-1- 2017 to 31-12-2019.&#x0D; Material &amp; Methods: In this observational study 160 women with suspected ectopic pregnancy were evaluated with ? - HCG levels and TVS examinations. Per-operative findings were taken as the gold standard for patients who underwent laparoscopy/laparotomy, and a trend of ?-HCG for patients with expectant/medical managements per RCOG guidelines. Statistical analyses were applied to find out diagnostic accuracy of TVS findings. The prospective study pattern with close follow-ups and a managing protocol according to the guidelines were required to reinforce the results.&#x0D; Results: The sensitivity of TVS in diagnosing Ectopic Pregnancies (EPs) in clinically suspected patients were found to be 92.5%, specificity 84.62%, positive predictive value 94.91%, negative predictive value 78.57% and accuracy rate was calculated as 90.62%. Most frequent signs present were empty uterine cavity, blob sign and embryo with or without cardiac activity.&#x0D; Conclusion: TVS examination is quite effective in predicting and excluding ectopic pregnancy in early gestation. Majority of patients with ectopic pregnancy had surgery as part of their management.

Adenomyosis- surgical treatment for women’s infertility Laparotomy with Osada technique

Introduction: Adenomyosis became challenging in the gynecological field and healthcare economic aspect. The prevalence of adenomyosis is widely ranged in different countries. Infertility is one of the frightening complications. Thus a radical adenomyosis tissue removal method using the triple-flap (the Osada technique) could be done. Using this technique the adenomyosis tissue can be removed as much as possible while maintaining normal uterine function. Thus, in this case, report, we performed a woman diagnosed with adenomyosis underwent the surgery with Osada technique. Case description: A 30-year-old woman went to the medical care of Kasih Medika. She has been married for 4,5 years and did not have any children. She had a history of abdominal pain every menstruation, and it has persisted since 2 months ago even though not on the menstrual schedule. Transvaginal sonographic examination revealed a diffusely enlarged uterus and thickening of the uterine wall. A laparotomy is performed using the Osada technique (triple flap. After that, around 1 month after surgery, the patient will undergo an ultrasound examination and the patient will undergo the GnRH agonist therapy (Tapros) 3 times. Conclusion: Adenomyosis is one of the challenging diseases. Adequate treatment must be done to minimalize the infertile probability Laparotomy with the Osada technique could be done. Infertility examination in both couples also must be done. Undergoing the GnRH agonist therapy also can give a better result for the patient.

Consensus on revised definitions of Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) features of adenomyosis: results of modified Delphi procedure.

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo evaluate whether the Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) features of adenomyosis need to be better defined and, if deemed necessary, to reach consensus on the updated definitions.MethodsA modified Delphi procedure was performed among European gynecologists with expertise in ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis. To identify MUSA features that might need revision, 15 two‐dimensional (2D) video recordings (four recordings also included three‐dimensional (3D) still images) of transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) examinations of the uterus were presented in the first Delphi round (online questionnaire). Experts were asked to confirm or refute the presence of each of the nine MUSA features of adenomyosis (described in the original MUSA consensus statement) in each of the 15 videoclips and to provide comments. In the second Delphi round (online questionnaire), the results of the first round and suggestions for revision of MUSA features were shared with the experts before they were asked to assess a new set of 2D and 3D still images of TVS examinations and to provide feedback on the proposed revisions. A third Delphi round (virtual group meeting) was conducted to discuss and reach final consensus on revised definitions of MUSA features. Consensus was predefined as at least 66.7% agreement between experts.ResultsOf 18 invited experts, 16 agreed to participate in the Delphi procedure. Eleven experts completed and four experts partly finished the first round. The experts identified a need for more detailed definitions of some MUSA features. They recommended use of 3D ultrasound to optimize visualization of the junctional zone. Fifteen experts participated in the second round and reached consensus on the presence or absence of ultrasound features of adenomyosis in most of the still images. Consensus was reached for all revised definitions except those for subendometrial lines and buds and interrupted junctional zone. Thirteen experts joined the online meeting, in which they discussed and agreed on final revisions of the MUSA definitions. There was consensus on the need to distinguish between direct features of adenomyosis, i.e. features indicating presence of ectopic endometrial tissue in the myometrium, and indirect features, i.e. features reflecting changes in the myometrium secondary to presence of endometrial tissue in the myometrium. Myometrial cysts, hyperechogenic islands and echogenic subendometrial lines and buds were classified unanimously as direct features of adenomyosis. Globular uterus, asymmetrical myometrial thickening, fan‐shaped shadowing, translesional vascularity, irregular junctional zone and interrupted junctional zone were classified as indirect features of adenomyosis.ConclusionConsensus between gynecologists with expertise in ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis was achieved regarding revised definitions of the MUSA features of adenomyosis and on the classification of MUSA features as direct or indirect signs of adenomyosis. © 2021 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Comparative study Of TVS cervical score and Bishop score in prediction of successful labour induction

BackgroundIn today's obstetric practice, induction of labour is a common procedure. Before the imaging era, the favourability of the cervix was assessed by manual examination scored as the Bishop Score. However, subjectivity and high inter- and intra-observer variability are limitations of this approach. This necessitates the implementation of an objective method of assessment. We used transvaginal sonography (TVS) as an objective method of assessment of cervix by TVS cervical score comprising of five different parameters; cervical length, funnelling at the internal os, distance from the presenting part to the external os, and cervix position. This study aims to evaluate the role of the pre-induction transvaginal ultrasonographic (TVS) cervical score in predicting labour outcome and comparing it to the Bishop score in patients undergoing induction of labour.MethodologyThis observational prospective study included 100 pregnant women admitted for labour induction at a single tertiary care centre. The TVS examination which consisted of five parameters was performed after the clinical Bishop scoring. The TVS scores were compared with the Bishop scores for all patients. Labour induction was done within one hour of examination and the outcome of the induction was recorded.ResultsThe mean age was 25.87 years [SD = 4.35]. Labour induction was successful in 74% of patients. At cut-off Scores of ≥ 4, TVS cervical Score performed better than Bishop Score (Sensitivity 93.24 vs. 67.57%, Specificity 73.08 vs. 65.38%). ROC analysis indicated that Area Under Curve (AUC) was more for TVS Score (0.91, 95% CI 0.84–0.97), compared to Bishop Score.ConclusionTransvaginal ultrasonography is an objective method of cervical assessment. We conclude from our study that the use of TVS score which consists of five different parameters in cervical assessment provides a better prediction of successful labour induction than the Bishop score, and so can prevent various complications associated with induction failure.

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor as a marker for tubal pregnancy.

SUMMARYOBJECTIVE:The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a single measurement of vascular endothelial growth factor could distinguish between intrauterine pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy and to correlate the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor with serum levels of progesterone andβ-human chorionic gonadotropin in each subgroup.METHODS:Ninety patients with a positive human chorionic gonadotropin test and either abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding were selected; pregnancies were singletons, spontaneously conceived, 42–56 days of gestational age. All patients had a transvaginal ultrasound examination and were divided into three subgroups: abnormal intrauterine pregnancy, tubal pregnancy, and normal intrauterine pregnancy. Tubal pregnancies were surgically treated and histologically confirmed. Blood samples were collected for the determination of β-human chorionic gonadotropin, progesterone, and vascular endothelial growth factor and their concentrations were compared in each subgroup. Receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated by comparing the subgroup of tubal pregnancy to the other groups. A Fisher discriminant function analysis was performed. The level of significance was 5%.RESULTS:One-way analysis of variance revealed a significant correlation between the different subgroups and β-human chorionic gonadotropin, progesterone, and vascular endothelial growth factor serum levels (p<0.001). Vascular endothelial growth factor concentration was significantly higher for patients with tubal pregnancy than for other subgroups (p<0.05). β-Human chorionic gonadotropin and progesterone levels were higher in the subgroup with normal intrauterine pregnancies compared with the subgroups with tubal and abnormal intrauterine pregnancies (p<0.05). Serum vascular endothelial growth factor level >188.7 ng/mL predicted tubal pregnancy with 96.7% sensitivity, 95.0% specificity, 90.6% positive predictive value, and 98.3% negative predictive value.CONCLUSIONS:Serum vascular endothelial growth factor could be a marker in discriminating intrauterine pregnancy from tubal pregnancy; its levels are increased in women with ectopic pregnancy compared with women with normal and abnormal intrauterine pregnancies.

Diagnosis of Idiopathic Premature Ovarian Failure by Color Doppler Ultrasound under the Intelligent Segmentation Algorithm.

The aim of this study was to explore the application value of transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound based on the improved mean shift algorithm in the diagnosis of idiopathic premature ovarian failure (POF). In this study, 80 patients with idiopathic POF were selected and included in the experimental group, and 40 volunteers who underwent health examinations during the same period were selected and included in the control group, who underwent transvaginal Doppler ultrasound examination. At the same time, an improved mean shift algorithm was proposed based on artificial intelligence technology and applied to ultrasound image processing. In addition, the ovarian artery parameters of patients were compared in two groups, including peak systolic flow rate (PSV), diastolic flow rate (EDV), resistance index (RI), and pulsatile index (PI). The results showed that the relative difference degree (RDD) of the segmentation results of the algorithm in this study was significantly lower than that of Snake, Live_wire, and the traditional mean shift algorithm, while the relative overlap degree (ROD) and Dice coefficient were opposite, and the differences were significant (P<0.05). The mediolateral diameter of control group was 2.87±0.31cm, and the anteroposterior diameter was 1.86±0.28 cm; while those were 2.11±0.36 cm and 1.13±0.34 cm, respectively, in the experimental group, showing significant differences between the groups (P<0.05). Of the 80 patients in the experimental group, 132 cases with ovarian arteries were found; among 40 patients in the experimental group, 76 cases were found with ovarian arteries, and the hemodynamic detection rate of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). The ovarian artery parameters PI, RI, and S/D of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The results showed that the segmentation results of the improved algorithm in this study were more superior to the segmentation results of other algorithms. The regional information loss of the segmentation results was not serious, and the resolution was higher and the definition was higher. The transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound based on the artificial intelligence segmentation algorithm can clearly show the functional status and hemodynamics of the patient's ovaries. The ovarian artery parameters PI and RI can be used as specific indicators for evaluating the POF.

Risk of atypical hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma after initial diagnosis of non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia: A long-term follow-up study

ObjectivesThe strong association between atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma is well established, but data on the risk of atypical hyperplasia and carcinoma in Danish women with non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia are almost non-existent. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of atypical hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma diagnosed within 3 months of initial diagnosis (defined as concurrent disease) and the risk of atypical hyperplasia and carcinoma more than 3 months after initial diagnosis (classified as progressive disease) in Danish women initially diagnosed with non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia.DesignThis cohort study recruited 102 women diagnosed with non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia at Randers Regional Hospital in Randers, Denmark, between 2000 and 2015.MethodsThe endometrium was evaluated by transvaginal ultrasound examination and office mini-hysteroscopy with biopsies in all non-hysterectomized women. Data regarding subsequent hysterectomy or endometrial sampling were obtained from medical records and the Danish Pathology Registry (Patobank).ResultsA total of 15 women were diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia or carcinoma during follow-up. Concurrent atypical hyperplasia or carcinoma was seen in 2.9% (3/102), and among women who remained at risk for more than 3 months after initial diagnosis of non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia (n = 94), progression to atypical hyperplasia or carcinoma was seen in 13% (median follow-up 5.2 years, range 3.6 months to 15.1 years). Sixty-six percent of the women with progressive disease were diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia or carcinoma more than 1 year after initial diagnosis, but only two were diagnosed later than 5 years (5.2 and 9 years).ConclusionsThe risk of being diagnosed with atypical endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial carcinoma more than 5 years after an initial diagnosis of non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia seems to be low in Danish women. Specialized follow-up more than 5 years after diagnosis of non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia may not be warranted.

Measurement of the vaginal wall thickness by transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound of women with vaginal laxity: a cross-sectional study.

An objective diagnostic method to understand vaginal laxity (VL) is still missing. The aim of our study is to determine whether vaginal wall thickness (VWT) measured by ultrasound may differ according to the abdominal or vaginal techniques and to assess whether clinical variables are associated with vaginal measurements of women with VL. A cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary hospital included 82 women aged ≥ 18 years with VL complaints assessed by the Vaginal Laxity Questionnaire. Women who reported severe comorbidities or vulvovaginal disorders, previous treatment for VL, and use of vaginal estrogen in the last 6 months were excluded. Participants reporting VL underwent transabdominal (TAUS) and transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and physical examination and answered validated questionnaires. Descriptive data were given as mean and standard deviation, median (range), and absolute and relative frequency. The significance level adopted for this study was 5%. Sample size calculation was not performed for the present study. Mean age was 41.20 ± 8.64 years, and most participants were multiparous, with previous vaginal delivery and having vaginal intercourse. A statistically significant difference (up to 3 mm) between TAUS and TVUS measurements of the VWT was found in the proximal, middle-third, and distal compartments. A significant correlation was found between VWT and TAUS or TVUS in the mid-third and distal compartments. A significant correlation was found between the VWT measurements in TVUS and TAUS. Our findings might give the health professional more possibilities for investigating VWT according to patient characteristics.

Definition of large niche after Cesarean section based on prediction of postmenstrual spotting: Chinese cohort study in non-pregnant women.

A large niche after Cesarean section (CS) is associated with long-term complications, of which postmenstrual spotting is associated positively with the size of the niche. However, the diagnosis of a large niche in the literature is inconsistent and the definition is largely subjective. The aim of this study was to generate a definition for a large niche in non-pregnant women based on the presence of postmenstrual spotting. Women who had undergone CS in our hospital between January 2012 and June 2017 were selected randomly from our database, contacted by telephone and subsequently examined between January 2016 and June 2020. Eligible for inclusion were non-pregnant women who had their last CS more than 1 year earlier and agreed to undergo transvaginal sonography(TVS). All participants underwent examination of their CS scar by TVS (two-dimensional color Doppler) during the midfollicular phase. Niche depth, length, width, residual myometrial thickness (RMT), adjacent myometrial thickness (AMT) and ratio of niche depth/AMT were recorded. Women diagnosed with a niche, defined as an indentation at the site of the CS with a depth of at least 2 mm, were classified into two groups (symptomatic or asymptomatic) according to whether they experienced postmenstrual spotting. Logistic regression analysis was used to establish the best cut-off values for the niche parameters to predict postmenstrual spotting. A new definition was generated based on the niche parameters with the highest area under the receiver-operating-characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC) for the prediction of postmenstrual spotting. A total of 727 women who had a CS > 1 year earlier underwent TVS examination, of whom 263 were diagnosed with a niche (prevalence of 36.2%). Of these, 160 women experienced postmenstrual spotting and 103 were asymptomatic. The three variables with the highest AUC for prediction of postmenstrual spotting were niche depth/AMT ratio (AUC, 0.798; 95% CI, 0.745-0.852), niche depth (AUC, 0.731; 95% CI, 0.668-0.795) and RMT (AUC, 0.683; 95% CI, 0.618-0.748). Based on the best cut-offs according to ROC-curve analysis, a large niche was defined as: niche depth ≥ 0.50 cm, RMT ≤ 0.21 cm or niche depth/AMT ratio ≥ 0.56. The prevalence of a large niche according to this definition was 22.4% (163/727). The new definition had a specificity of 61.17% (95% CI, 52.34-70.41%) and sensitivity of 76.87% (95% CI, 70.28-84.16%) for a large niche. This study has provided a new definition for a large niche after CS. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Mechanism of action of a 0.075 mg norgestrel progestogen-only pill 2. Effect on cervical mucus and theoretical risk of conception

ObjectiveTo evaluate the cervical mucus effects of a norgestrel 0.075 mg progestin-only contraceptive pill over a 28-day cycle. Study DesignWe recruited persons ages 18 to 35 with normal cycles at 2 US academic medical centers. Participants took norgestrel 0.075 mg daily for 28 days at the same time (within a 3 hour window) daily, recorded through a text-message based e-diary. We extracted cervical mucus using a standardized aspiration technique on the day of pill initiation and then at least every 3 to 4 days over the cycle. We monitored subjects for follicular activity with transvaginal ultrasound examination and blood sampling for ovarian hormones and gonadotropins at each visit. We assessed cervical mucus scoring using a 4-category/12-point modified Insler scale (score ≥9 [favoring fertility], 5–8 [intermediate], and ≤4 [unfavorable to fertility]). We stratified cervical mucus scores by serum estradiol levels and ovulatory status based on a modified Hoogland score. ResultsExcluding enrollment, we collected and evaluated 413 mucus samples from 51 participants. Participants had a median mucus score of 0 (Interquartile Range 0, 2); most had scores ≤4 (samples = 385, 93%) and none had a score ≥9 favoring fertility. Seventeen (33%) participants ovulated, of which 14 (82%) had unfavorable mucus scores (≤4) at the time of ovulation and 3 (18%) had intermediate scores (5-8). ConclusionsNorgestrel 0.075 mg daily prevents mucus changes that favor fertility, even during ovulatory cycles. ImplicationsDaily administration of norgestrel 0.075 mg over an initial 28-day cycle did not result in fertile cervical mucus. Although approximately one-third of users ovulated in this first cycle of pill use, contraceptive efficacy may be maintained by mucus effects.

OMENTAL PREGNANCY: REPORT CASE AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Objective: Abdominal pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy with very high morbidity and mortality for both the mother and the fetus. Diagnosis and management can pose some difficulties especially in low-resource centers. The objective of this stady is to illustrate the different epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic data of abdominal pregnancy. Patient and observation: We present an additional case of primary omental pregnancy at 12 gestational weeks presenting with symptoms of hemoperitoneum and acute abdomen. Pregnancy status was confirmed after admission. Transvaginal ultrasound examination revealed a single viable fetus with a large amount of free peritoneal fluid, but no intrauterine sac or adnexal mass Laparotomy was done according to pre-operative diagnosis of ruptured tubal pregnancy. Bilateral tubes and ovaries were intact omental pregnancy was detected and partial omentectomy was performed. Conclusion: Early diagnostic of omental pregnancy is difficult but essential to reduce the high mortality.

New Method for Genital Aesthetic Surgery: An Easy-to-Learn 2-Step Approach With Acellular Dermal Matrix.

Vaginal laxity, usually accompanied with prolapse symptoms, affects women's sexual satisfaction and quality of life. Vaginal tightening surgery aims to reinforce perivaginal muscle strength and restore normal vaginal anatomy. The aim of this study was to introduce a new surgical approach to vaginal tightening that uses acellular dermal matrix. In this retrospective study, data from 80 patients with vaginal laxity who underwent surgery between April 2017 and April 2021 were analyzed. Three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound was performed and the Female Sexual Function Index was evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 44.6 years. The mean patient follow-up was 13.2 months. No infection, rectovaginal fistula, or implant explantation occurred. Transvaginal ultrasound examination demonstrated a significant reduction of introital diameter on a maximum Valsalva maneuver (2.3 cm vs 4.1 cm; P < 0.05) and the reconstruction of acute vaginal angulation. The Female Sexual Function Index orgasm subscore increased significantly. Vaginal tightening with acellular dermal matrix is a minimally invasive surgery that offers a safe and effective treatment for patients with vaginal laxity.

Рак уретры: ошибки диагностики и лечения

Introduction. Urethral cancer is a rare disease that often occurs under the mask of cystitis and urethritis, which can lead to late diagnosis, progression and poor prognosis. Purpose of the study. On the example of a clinical case, to demonstrate the difficulties of diagnosing urethral cancer in women in clinical practice. Materials and methods. The article describes a case of urethral cancer in a 68-year-old woman with complaints of dysuria and difficulty urinating, who was followed up for 3 years with a diagnosis of cystitis, confirmed by cystoscopy. Transvaginal ultrasound examination of the bladder determined the formation of the urethra 29x23x26 mm. A clinical diagnosis was established: «Urotelial papillary-tubular carcinoma of the urethra T1N0M0G3. Chronic urinary retention». Results. The patient underwent electroresection of the tumor and a course of remote radiation therapy with a total focal dose (RRT) of 50 Gy for 45 days. Histopathological conclusion: adenocarcinoma of the urethral mucosa; tumor within the mucosal and submucosal layers. A two-year disease-free survival was noted. Surveillance continues. Conclusions. The early diagnosis and identification of urethral cancer contributes to a better prognosis and survival rate among the patients with this disease.

Transvaginal Colour Doppler Ultrasound Study of Uterine Tumours with Histopathological Correlation

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiology &amp; Imaging, in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics &amp; Gynaecology, in Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, between July 2010 and March 2012, to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of transvaginal color doppler ultrasonography (TVCDU) in differentiating benign and malignant uterine tumours. A total of fifty women, diagnosed as having uterine tumours both clinically and using ultrasound, participated in the study. They were evaluated preoperatively using TVCDU. All the study participants underwent surgical operation and resected specimens were sent for histopathological examination. Histopathology reports were correlated with the of colour Doppler findings. The mean age of the patients was 47.72±8.79 years. Major complaints were menorrhagia (58%), dysmenorrhoea (50%) and lump in the lower abdomen (48%). Neovascularization was found in 16(32%) cases. The mean resistance index and pulsatility index were much lower in malignant tumours than that of the benign counterpart (0.35±0.03 vs. 0.67±0.01 and 0.65±0.14 vs. 1.35±0.11 respectively); the difference was statistically significant (P&lt;0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of TVCDU were found 86.7%, 97.14%, 92.85% and 94.4% respectively. Overall diagnostic accuracy was 94%. To summarize, blood flow characteristics of benign and malignant uterine tumours, as evident on color Doppler imaging, have distinct diagnostic value. Hence, transvaginal colour Doppler ultrasound examination can be used as an easily available, efficient, and non-invasive diagnostic modality in differentiation of uterine tumours, which can be histologically confirmed later.&#x0D; CBMJ 2021 January: vol. 10 no. 02 P: 105-110