Sonohysterographic appearances of endometrial carcinoma: an in vitro study of uterine specimens.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the sonohysterographic appearances of endometrial carcinoma by sonohysterographic examination of uterine specimens. METHODS: A prospective study of sonohysterographic examination on 30 uteri obtained immediately after hysterectomy from women 30 to 86 years of age, diagnosed preoperatively with endometrial carcinoma. The transducer was applied directly on the serosal surface of the anterior uterine wall for sonographic visualization. Sonographic examination was performed initially to assess the endometrial thickness, followed by infusion of normal saline into the endometrial cavity through a Foley catheter inserted into the cervix and repeat sonographic evaluation to characterize endometrial carcinoma. RESULTS: The mean (+/- SD) endometrial thickness on initial sonographic examination was 11.4 (+/- 6.6) mm. Sonohysterographic examination demonstrated 15 uteri to have large, irregular polyploid masses arising from the endometrium, 6 uteri to have focal endometrial thickening, 4 uteri to contain benign-appearing polyp(s), 2 uteri to contain benign-appearing polyp(s) with focal endometrial thickening, and 3 uteri to have normal endometria.CONCLUSION: The sonohysterographic appearance of endometrial carcinoma is variable. Although the majority of endometrial carcinomas appeared as large, irregular polyploid masses, a completely normal sonohysterographic appearance may occur.