Transvaginal ultrasonographic evaluation of the endometrium related to the histological findings in pre- and perimenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical usefulness of high-resolution transvaginal ultrasonography in pre- and perimenopausal women suspected to have endometrial pathology.


METHODS
196 women, aged between 32 and 57 years, were referred to the outpatient clinic for a dilatation and curettage (D&C). In 81% the clinical indication was irregular vaginal bleedings. Before the D&C an examination with transvaginal ultrasonography was performed, and the endometrial thickness and texture were determined. The ultrasonographic results were later compared with the histological diagnosis obtained from the D&C specimen.


RESULTS
Ultrasonographically both normal and pathological endometrial changes could be detected, and 82% of the women had an endometrium characterized as normal. The endometrial phase determination correlated with the histological findings in approximately 50% of the women. Histologically 83% of the women had a normal endometrium. Endometrial hyperplasia was found in 12% and endometrial polyps in 4%. There were no malignancies found in this study. The hormone users (33% of the women) had no higher incidence of hyperplasias than non-users.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data indicate that transvaginal ultrasonography is as effective as the D&C for depicting the endometrium in pre- and perimenopausal women with irregular bleedings.
Bakos
O
O
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden.
Heimer
G
G
D000328:Adult; D004107:Dilatation and Curettage; D004717:Endometrium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D017697:Premenopause; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery