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F69Three‐dimensional ultrasound in the diagnosis of uterine malformations
Author(s) -
Montenegro C. A. B.,
Leite S. P.,
Mathias M. L.,
RezendeFilho J.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.202
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1469-0705
pISSN - 0960-7692
DOI - 10.1046/j.1469-0705.2000.00015-1-69.x
Subject(s) - bicornuate uterus , medicine , septate , uterus , fundus (uterus) , unicornuate uterus , cervix , anatomy , gynecology , radiology , paleontology , cancer , biology
Uterine evaluation by means of 3D US is useful in classifying the main malformations, as it allows the visualisation of the frontal plane, impossible to obtain with conventional sonography. In the frontal plane it is possible to classify the uterine abnormalities, according to the fundal surface, the endometrial cavity and the uterine cervix. Arcuate uterus presents with a normal fundal surface, but the endometrial cavity is concave, different from the normal uterus, where it is convex or rectilinear. Septate uterus also shows a normal fundus, but 2 endometrial cavities, due to the septum. Bicornuate uterus is characterised by a fundal indentation (≥ 1 cm) and 2 endometrial cavities. Didelphic uterus is identical to complete bicornuate uterus, but the duplication extends to the cervix, which is doubled. Unicornuate uterus exhibits only one half of the uterus and does not seem to present any diagnostic pitfall, although it may present with a rudimentary cornus, that may or not communicate with the main cavity. Septal vascularization may be identified in slightly over 70% of the cases with this abnormality. Power Doppler is helpful in identifying those cases, and differentiate them from bicornuate uterus. 17 patients with suspected uterine malformation were examined. 4 bicornuate, 6 septate, 6 arcuate, and 1 didelphic uterus were found. 3D US was concordant in 11 cases.