[Quantitative ultrasonic tissue characterization of the cervix - A new predictor for prematurity?].
BACKGROUND
Since the incidence of premature delivery has remained constant for the last decade despite intensive safeguarding methods, the texture features of the uterine cervix were evaluated using quantitative sonographic gray level analysis at different gestational ages.


METHODS
For this purpose, quantitative ultrasonic tissue densitometry of the uterine cervix was obtained from 30 asymptomatic female patients (group A, mean: 30,3 GA) and compared with values obtained from 16 symptomatic female patients (group B, mean: 29,5 GA) with uterine contractions and shortening of the cervix at similiar gestational ages. Once the two-dimensional transvaginal sonographic measurement of cervical length was completed, a region of interest of constant size was defined in the mid-section of the posterior wall, and the tissue-specific gray scale distribution was determined.


RESULTS
Quantitative ultrasonic tissue characterization of uterine cervix was feasible in all 46 patients at all gestational ages. In patients with premature contractions and shortening of cervix the average gray scale values were found to be significantly reduced in comparison with those obtained from asymptomatic patients. These results showed good reproducibility and low intraobserver variability and were found to be independent of the measured cervical length.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results prove that quantitative ultrasonic tissue characterization of the uterine cervix might serve as a new parameter for predicting premature delivery.
Tekesin
I
I
Klinik für Geburtshilfe und Perinatalmedizin, Universitäts-Frauenklinik Marburg, Germany.
Meyer-Wittkopf
M
M
Sierra
F
F
Schmidt
S
S
D000328:Adult; D020070:Cervical Ripening / Q000502:physiology; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019160:Endosonography; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D012016:Reference Values; D012307:Risk Factors; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal