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Measurement precision and normal range of endometrial thickness in a postmenopausal population by transvaginal ultrasound
Author(s) -
Warming L.,
Ravn P.,
Skouby S.,
Christiansen C.
Publication year - 2002
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.1469-0705.2002.00828.x
Subject(s) - medicine , asymptomatic , menopause , transvaginal ultrasound , gynecology , ultrasound , postmenopausal women , population , obstetrics , endometrium , radiology , environmental health
Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the endometrial thickness (ET) in an asymptomatic postmenopausal population, and to assess the long‐term variability. Design A total of 1182 asymptomatic generally healthy postmenopausal women were enrolled into this cross‐sectional evaluation of the ET. Measurements were performed by transvaginal ultrasound. A subset of the women ( n = 178) was examined twice 3 months to 2 years apart to assess the long‐term variability. Results Cross‐sectionally, ET varied with length of menopause. During the first 5 years after menopause (YSM) the mean ET was 2.3 mm but it decreased by 0.03 mm/year ( P < 0.01). From 5 to 13 YSM the ET remained stable at a mean of 1.8 mm with no significant changes ( P = 0.13). Thereafter there was a minimal increase of 0.01 mm/year ( P < 0.05). In order to minimize the influence of natural changes on ET, only women who had reached the menopause more than 5 years earlier were entered into the subsequent long‐term study. The mean ET was 2.0 mm ± 1.0 mm with no significant differences within or between the observers' measurements. The precision errors were less than 1 mm. Conclusions The normal range of the thickness of the postmenopausal endometrium in asymptomatic women varies with YSM. There is a high long‐term agreement within and between observers in measuring the ET. Copyright © 2002 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology