title: Uterine fibroid characteristics and sonographic pattern among Ghanaian females undergoing pelvic ultrasound scan: a study at 3-major centres.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumours affecting premenopausal women and are often associated with considerable hospitalization and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to identify the uterine fibroid characteristics and sonographic patterns of uterine fibroids among Ghanaian women undergoing abdomino-pelvic or pelvic ultrasound scan at three major diagnostic centres. The outcome is expected to help in appropriate policy formulation in women care in Ghana.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of two hundred and forty four (244) women were evaluated between November 2011-February 2012, using identical 2-5 MHz curvilinear probe of Philips HD3 ultrasound machines at three major diagnostic centers in Ghana, using a trans-abdominal pelvic approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The range, mean and standard deviation (SD) of the patients' ages were 14-54 years, 31.89 years and ± 7.92 respectively. The majority, 57.8% of the fibroids were intramural with only 4.4% noted as sub-mucosal. Most (55.6%) of the fibroids were located in more than one part of the uterus. The most popular (55.6%) echo pattern of the various fibroid nodules was mixed echogenicity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The sonographic patterns of uterine fibroids among Ghanaian women have been assessed at three major diagnostic centres. The study shows that most Ghanaian women who have fibroids have degenerative fibroid nodules as these nodules demonstrate mixed echo patterns on ultrasound. The findings may aid in appropriate diagnosis and interventions in the country.
authors.affiliation: University of Ghana School of Medicine and Dentistry, P. O. Box GP 4236, Accra, Ghana. ghana_neo@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Benjamin Dabo
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Sarkodie
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiography, School of Biomedical & Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O Box KB 143, Accra, Ghana.
authors.forename: Benard Ohene
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: Botwe
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiography, School of Biomedical & Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O Box KB 143, Accra, Ghana.
authors.forename: Eric K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Ofori
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010388:Pelvis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D014599:Uterus / Q000473:pathology