[The use of three-dimensional ultrasound imaging in detecting the type and location of intrauterine contraceptive device].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the value of three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) imaging in detecting the type and location of intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD).


METHODS
Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging examination was conducted in 30 patients suspected with abnormality of IUD based on transvaginal two-dimensional ultrasound imaging examination. Through reconstruction of transvaginal 3DUS images, the type and location of IUDs were detected, and the results of hysteroscopy, laparoscopy or laparotomy were compared with the result of 3DUS.


RESULTS
Satisfactory 3DUS images were obtained in 29 cases (96.7%) in which the type and location of IUDs and the relationship between IUD and uterine cavity were distinctly shown; satisfying imaging was not obtained in one menopausal case because of thinning of endometrium, the imaging only showed incarceration of IUD and not the relation between IUD fragment and uterine cavity. It was found that 17 IUDs (10 of single metal cirque type, 3 of gamma type, 2 of uterine cavity type, and 2 of T type) remained intact and 13 became fractured. Twenty-four IUDs were incarcerated, four were rotated (3 of gamma type and 1 of uterine cavity type), and 2 T type IUDs were normal. IUD was removed by hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, or laparotomy successfully at one go in 26 of the 28 cases with IUD abnormality. The findings of operation was consistent with the results of 3DUS.


CONCLUSIONS
3DUS is of great value in diagnosing IUD type and location, and helps select therapeutic plan.
Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
Songying
S
Zhang
Weiwen
W
Ying
Jianping
J
Xu
Meili
M
Yang
Kaihong
K
Xu
Qin
Q
Luo
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007434:Intrauterine Devices; D008875:Middle Aged; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*