Evaluation of vaginal cysts and masses by 3-dimensional endovaginal and endoanal sonography.

The purpose of this pictorial essay is to describe the utility of 3-dimensional endovaginal and endoanal sonography in the assessment of vulvovaginal cysts and masses. It is accepted that compared with transabdominal pelvic sonography, transvaginal end-fire sonography provides improved resolution for visualization of female reproductive organs with fewer artifacts. To visualize the structures that are located in or lateral to the vaginal canal, side-fire 3-dimensional endovaginal or endoanal sonography can be used. This special technique has the advantage of maintaining the spatial anatomic relationship of any abnormality in the vagina.