Endovaginal scanning of the endometrium compared to cytology and histology in women with postmenopausal bleeding

Gynecol Oncol. 1993 Aug;50(2):173-8. doi: 10.1006/gyno.1993.1188.

Abstract

Endovaginal scanning (EVS) of the endometrium has recently been proposed as a method for the investigation of the endometrial mucosa. In this study, the specificity and sensitivity of EVS have been compared with endometrial cytology and D&C to discriminate between a normal and pathological endometrium. The study included 105 women who underwent preoperative endovaginal ultrasound investigation, endometrial cytology, and D&C because of postmenopausal bleeding. A specificity of 81% and a sensitivity of 97% in diagnosing morphological alterations by means of endovaginal ultrasound was found. The corresponding figures for cytological evaluation were 81 and 58%, respectively. We conclude that endovaginal ultrasound is a valuable diagnostic instrument for detecting pathological conditions in the uterine mucosa and as sensitive as endometrial cytology or D&C.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Dilatation and Curettage
  • Endometrial Hyperplasia / diagnostic imaging
  • Endometrial Hyperplasia / pathology
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Endometrium / diagnostic imaging*
  • Endometrium / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyps / diagnostic imaging
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Ultrasonography / methods*
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging*
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / pathology*
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / surgery
  • Vaginal Smears