Spectrum of normal intrauterine cavity sonographic findings after first-trimester abortion

Objective. To characterize the sonographic appearance of the uterine cavity after uncomplicated first-trimester abortion. Methods. Women who underwent uterine evacuation for first-trimester abortion were referred for endovagi nal sonographic examination within the week after the procedure. Special at tention was directed to characterizing the intrauterine cavity. Demographic and clinical parameters were collected. A repeated postmenstrual examinati on was carried out in selected cases. Results. In all, 57, 10, and 7 sonogr aphic examinations were performed after termination of pregnancy, incomplet e (spontaneous) abortion, and missed abortion, respectively. Fifty-seven (7 7%) of the 74 examinations showed considerable amounts of intrauterine cont ent with various echogenicities (anteroposterior thickness range, 7-61. mm) . No association could be documented between the pattern of appearance and gravidity, parity, gestational-age, or type of abortion procedure. All post menstrual reevaluations of patients with excessive amounts of intrauterine material at the initial examination (n = 7) showed empty intrauterine cavit ies. Conclusion. Within the week after first-trimester abortion, the uterin e cavity is seldom empty. Thick heterogeneous material is an expected findi ng after examination. By being familiar with this normal range of appearanc es, clinicians can avoid unnecessary repeated invasive evacuation procedure s. A follow-up sonographic evaluation during the follicular phase of the ne xt menstrual cycle is recommended to confirm the absence of retained produc ts of pregnancy.