Sonohysterography: a valuable tool in evaluating the female pelvis.
A number of medical conditions, including abnormal uterine bleeding, endometrial cancer, monitoring tamoxifen therapy, infertility, and recurrent abortion, warrant investigation of the female genital tract. Diagnostic studies including hysterosalpingogram, ultrasound, and sonohysterography have proved useful in the investigation of these gynecologic conditions. This article discusses each of these tests with particular emphasis on sonohysterography and their current and potential contributions in both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The utility of each as well as their comparative value to each other and existing gold standards is reviewed.


BACKGROUND
Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians.


OBJECTIVE
After completion of this article, the reader should be able to outline the current screening methods for uterine cavity and pelvic abnormalities, to list the advantages of sonohysterography, and to describe the clinical situations where sonohysterography can be used.
Lindheim
Steven R
SR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA. srlindheim@wisc.edu
Adsuar
Natalie
N
Kushner
David M
DM
Pritts
Elizabeth A
EA
Olive
David L
DL
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects; D003944:Diagnostic Techniques, Obstetrical and Gynecological; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019160:Endosonography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007047:Hysterosalpingography / Q000379:methods*; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000009:adverse effects; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014599:Uterus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D013629:Tamoxifen