INTRAUTERINE-DEVICE LOCALIZATION BY 3-DIMENSIONAL TRANSVAGINAL SONOGRAPHY

Our objective was to investigate the possible role of three-dimensiona l transvaginal ultrasound in the visualization of an intrauterine devi ce (IUD) for routine follow-up after insertion. A total of 96 women we re examined after insertion of a TCu380A IUD. Three-dimensional ultras onographic imaging was carried out using a special vaginal probe and a commercially available ultrasound machine at a mean interval of 22 da ys after insertion. Complete simultaneous imaging of all parts of the IUD was possible in 95% of cases. In the three-plane mode, all parts o f the IUD could be visualized in 64% and in a further 30 cases this wa s possible only after volume rendering. In two women, incomplete openi ng of the two arms of the device was demonstrated. In one of these cas es, the entire IUD was displaced into the cervical canal. In another c ase, an intrauterine pregnancy was found together with an IUD in the c orrect position. Three-dimensional ultrasound provides useful informat ion on the location of the IUD following insertion. It enables imaging of the entire IUD, i.e. the shaft and the arms, simultaneously. Addit ionally, the eh amination time can be Kept to a minimum with this new technique.