Color Doppler sonography in obstetrics and gynecology.
This review aims to provide the reader with an overview of the present and future clinical applications in color Doppler sonography for the evaluation of vascularity and blood flow within the uterus (both gravid and nongravid), ovaries, fetus and placenta. The clinical use of color Doppler sonography has been demonstrated within many organ systems. Color Doppler sonography has become an integral part of cardiovascular imaging. Significant improvements have recently occurred, improving the visualization and evaluation of intra-organ vascularity, resulting from enhancements in delineation of tissue detail through electronic compounding and harmonics, as well as enhancements in signal processing of frequency- and/or amplitude-based color Doppler sonography. Spatial representation of vascularity can be improved by utilizing 3D and 4D (live 3D) processing. Greater sensitivity of color Doppler sonography to macro- and microvascular flow has provided improved anatomic and physiologic assessment throughout pregnancy and for pelvic organs. The potential use of contrast enhancement is also mentioned as a means to further differentiate benign from malignant ovarian lesions. The rapid development of these new sonographic techniques will continue to enlarge the scope of clinical applications in a variety of obstetric and gynecologic disorders.
Fleischer
Arthur C
AC
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue, South CCC-1121 Medical Center, North Nashville, TN 37232-2675, USA. arthur.fleischer@vanderbilt.edu
Andreotti
Rochelle F
RF
D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006176:Gynecology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D011247:Pregnancy; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends