INTRAUTERINE ADHESIONS - DETECTION WITH TRANSVAGINAL US

PURPOSE: To evaluate the reliability of transvaginal ultrasonography ( US) in the diagnosis of uterine adhesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tran svaginal US was performed before hysteroscopy as part of the routine d iagnostic work-up in 77 women who had repeated spontaneous abortions. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive val ues were calculated for transvaginal US in the diagnosis of uterine ad hesions. Hysteroscopic findings were considered the reference. RESULTS : Uterine adhesions were correctly identified with transvaginal US in 10 of the 11 women in whom this finding was subsequently confirmed at hysteroscopy. The adhesions were minimal in 10 instances and moderate in one. The sensitivity of transvaginal US was 91%, the specificity wa s 100%, the positive predictive value was 100%, and the negative predi ctive value was 98.5%. CONCLUSION: Transvaginal US, which is a noninva sive and relatively inexpensive procedure, seems to be effective in sc reening for uterine adhesions in a population at risk.