Contrast sonography for uterine cavity assessment: a comparison of conventional two-dimensional with three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound; a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE

To compare conventional two- (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) scanning of the uterine cavity with and without saline contrast medium.

DESIGN

Observational pilot study.

SETTING

University-based fertility service.

PATIENT(S): Ten IVF patients requiring uterine cavity assessment.

INTERVENTION(S): Two-dimensional and 3-D transvaginal scans before and after injection of saline into the uterine cavity.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Number and type of uterine cavity abnormalities detected by each technique.

RESULT(S): The 2-D scanning suggested cavity abnormalities in 4 of 10 women (fibroids, 3; hyperechoeic thick endometrium, 1). The 3-D scanning confirmed these and revealed one additional abnormality suggestive of a uterine septum. The 2-D scanning with saline injection diagnosed abnormalities in 5 of 10 (uterine septum, 1; fibroids, 3; endometrial polyp, 1). The 3-D contrast scanning with saline did not add any further information to 2-D contrast scanning with saline.

CONCLUSION(S): In this pilot study, 3-D scanning to assess the uterine cavity appeared to offer no advantages over conventional 2-D contrast sonography.