ROLE OF TRANSVAGINAL SONOGRAPHY IN FIRST TRIMESTER VAGINAL BLEEDING

Vaginal bleeding during the first trimester has been estimated to occur in 16% of all pregnant women, while the frequency of spontaneous abortion is estimated at around 10-20%. The clinical approach though helpful here is not of much value. Despite the latest technological developments and laboratory diagnosis the desired goal of early recognition is not achieved.  This study was therefore planned with an objective to evaluate role of ultrasound in patients with first trimester vaginal bleeding. It was an Hospital based study where in a total 300 cases presented with complaint of bleeding per vaginum during first trimester, were enrolled for study. All patients underwent trans-abdominal and transvaginal sonography. About 60 % patients had normal viable pregnancy at time of initial sonography. Rest of the cases had a variety of abortions and other pregnancy related complications. Some of the conditions like molar pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy were life threatening and required immediate clinical intervention. The Ultrasonographic examinations were done per abdominally by using ultrasound equipment. In the present study normal live embryo with subchorionic bleed was the most common cause of first trimester bleeding. Various types of abortions constituted the second commonest cause of first trimester bleeding. All cases were diagnosed correctly on ultrasonography with 100% sensitivity and accuracy and managed appropriately. Hence it can be suggested that ultrasound helped in establishing correct diagnosis timey and decides the line of management (1) Keywords: Vaginal bleeding, first trimester, transvaginal sonography.