TRANSRECTAL SONOGRAPHY IN THE ASSESSMENT OF VAGINAL PATHOLOGY - A PRELIMINARY-STUDY

Purpose. We assessed the value of transrectal sonography (TRUS) in the diagnosis of vaginal abnormalities. Methods. Six women between 16 and 77 years old underwent TRUS with a biplanar probe equipped with 5-MHz axial sector and longitudinal linear transducers. Sagittal and axial images of the bladder, vagina, and urethra were obtained. Sonographic findings were compared with those from surgery. Results. TRUS showed h ematocolpos in 3 patients and cysts in 3 patients. Surgery confirmed t he findings. Pathologic examination revealed 2 Gartner's cysts and 1 v aginal inclusion cyst. Conclusions. TRUS represents a valid diagnostic tool for the assessment of vaginal abnormalities because it accuratel y visualizes lesions and clearly shows anatomic relationships. (C) 199 8 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.