SONOHYSTEROGRAPHIC IMAGING OF THE ENDOMETRIAL CAVITY

University of South Florida, 4 Columbia Drive, Tampa, FL 33606
Received 7/27/95; Accepted 8/12/95; On-line 1/1/96

INTRODUCTION

Hysterosalpingography is a radiographic technique which has been used for over 70 years for the examination of the uterine cavity. However, this technique requires pelvic irradiation and a radiological imaging suite. In addition the contrast medium used is highly irritating. On the other hand, ultrasound at imaging frequencies is biologically innocuous. In addition, the equipment is portable and inexpensive and the contrast medium which is used is sterile normal saline. Frequencies of between 5 and 9 MHz allow axial resolution of 1 mm or less. SIS provides details of soft tissue structures as well as of the shape of the uterine cavity. This technique allows detailed study of the uterine cavity in cases of abnormal uterine bleeding, amenorrhea, uterine anomalies and inadequate or abnormal endometrial images (1-5).