Clinical value of the assessment of gynaecological tumour angiogenesis by transvaginal colour Doppler.
Angiogenesis occurs in the body in only a few physiological conditions, but it regularly precedes carcinogenesis. Neovascularisation is a term well known to the pathologist, but with the advent of colour Doppler it is now of interest to those using ultrasonography. Since morphological criteria alone are insufficient to characterise space occupying lesions, visualisation of newly formed vessels and consequently, their blood flow characteristics, seems to provide a clearer distinction in vivo between benign and malignant gynaecological tumours. Very low resistance indices in newly formed vessels, as a predictor of malignancy, have already been established. The most recent area of investigation covering the differences between centrally and peripherally placed vessels offers additional criteria for diagnosing gynecological malignancy.
Kurjak
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Ultrasonic Institute, Medical School, University of Zagreb, Croatia.
Salihagic
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Kupesic-Urek
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Predanic
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D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014621:Vagina