Transvaginal ultrasonographic diagnosis of uterine septa.

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain the sensitivity of transvaginal ultrasound as a screening tool in diagnosing patients with uterine septa.

STUDY

DESIGN

In this descriptive, retrospective study, the medical records of all patients who had hysteroscopic resection of uterine septa between 1990 and 1996 were reviewed. Specific preoperative imaging techniques were noted, and the sensitivity of transvaginal ultrasonography in correctly identifying the septum was calculated.

RESULTS

During the seven-year period, 27 of 39 total patients undergoing hysteroscopic metroplasty had preoperative transvaginal ultrasonography. Twenty-two of the 27 ultrasonograms correctly identified the uterine septum, for a sensitivity of 81%.

CONCLUSION

This was the largest study to date that specifically assessed the sensitivity of transvaginal ultrasonography as a reliable method of diagnosing uterine septa. It appears justifiable to use it as the initial screening tool for an accurate evaluation of uterine septa.