A prospective comparison of transvaginal ultrasonography and diagnostic hysteroscopy in the evaluation of patients with abnormal uterine bleeding: clinical implications.

OBJECTIVE

We determined the diagnostic value of transvaginal ultrasonography for endometrial and intrauterine abnormalities in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding.

STUDY

DESIGN

Between June 1, 1992, and June 1, 1993, 279 consecutive patients underwent transvaginal ultrasonography. Findings were compared with the final diagnosis established by diagnostic hysteroscopy and histologic examination.

RESULTS

Transvaginal ultrasonography demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.96 and a specificity of 0.89. With a pretest probability (prevalence) of 0.42, this resulted in posttest probabilities of 0.03 in the case of a normal sonogram and 0.87 for an abnormal sonogram. The corresponding likelihood ratios were 0.04 and 9.09, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Transvaginal ultrasonography seems to be an effective procedure to exclude endometrial and intrauterine abnormalities. Its use could be implemented as a routine first-step procedure in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding, and it selects those in need of further diagnostic evaluation in the case of an abnormal or inconclusive sonogram.