Use of vaginosonographic measurements of endometrial thickness in the identification of abnormal endometrium in peri‐ and postmenopausal bleeding

One hundred and seventy seven women with peri‐ and postmenopausal bleeding were subjected to vaginosonographic examination followed by thorough pathological examination of the uterine curetting samples. A mean endometrial thickness (double layer) of 13.2 ± 3.6 mm and 8.2 ± 4.8 mm were found in those with and without histological abnormalities, respectively. Endometrial thickness of less than 7 mm, however, was found to be predictive of normal endometrium (100% sensitivity, 46% specificity) and can, therefore, be used to separate those who require diagnostic curettage from those who do not. These findings suggest that this relatively simple, noninvasive procedure can be used as a screening test for patients with peri‐ or postmenopausal bleeding. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.