title: Color Doppler ultrasonography for distinguishing myomas from uterine contractions in pregnancy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the applicability and reliability of color Doppler ultrasonography (US) for distinguishing a uterine myoma from a focal myometrial contraction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Images from 36 patients with uterine thickenings were classified as myomas when color Doppler US demonstrated no centralized flow with a circumscribed vessel pattern at the border. Thickenings were classified as focal myometrial contractions when there was demonstrable vascular flow throughout the thickening.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using these diagnostic criteria, images from 36 patients were reliably characterized as representing myomas or contractions. The diagnosis was made more reliable by using the lowest velocity settings and exclusion of power Doppler US in nonretroplacental lesions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Color Doppler US is a sensitive and reliable tool for distinguishing uterine myomas from focal myometrial contractions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA.
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Trampe
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Pryde
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Droste
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zieher
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Kay
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011252:Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / Q000592:standards; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000592:standards*; D014590:Uterine Contraction; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*