Gynecological ultrasound set-pieces

Radiopaedia • CC-by-nc-sa 3.0 • de

The clinical history will nearly always lead to a short differential or the answer. Show off to the examiner that you have a structured approach to reporting and managing the patient.

Structured approach

  • uterus: size, version and shape (normal or variant which you should elaborate on and say what it most likely is e.g. arcuate, septate, bicornuate and state that you would always perform a 3D ultrasound to evaluate it)
  • endometrium: thickness and phase in the menstrual cycle (thin with oral contraceptive pill (OCP))
  • myometrium:  normal, focal thickness or abnormality, generalized thickness
  • serosa: normal or fibroid
  • ovaries: normal, cystic or mass
  • pelvic fluid: not present, small or large volume, sonolucent or echogenic

Normal example: transabdominal and transvaginal pelvic images demonstrate a normal uterus that is anteverted/retroverted and measures 80 x 35 x 50 mm. The endometrium has a normal thickness of 3 mm, normal vascularity and is in the menstrual/proliferative or secretory phase. The myometrium and serosa have a normal appearance. Both ovaries have a normal size and appearance and there is a trace of fluid in the pouch of Douglas.

Clinical history

Exam technique