Evaluation of diagnostic ultrasound in gynecology

The experience with 300 consecutive gynecologic patients undergoing diagnostic ultrasound has been evaluated. Follow-up was obtained by recording the clinical course and/or the operative findings. The ultrasound studies were diagnostic in 21 per cent, confirmatory in 74 per cent, and misleading in 5 per cent of the patients. Certain conditions lend themselves to diagnosis with ultrasound: hydatidiform mole, intrauterine pregnancy, dermoid cyst, ascites, simple ovarian cyst, and lost intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD's). The studies in patients with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease or adhesions were occasionally misleading. Diagnostic ultrasound was particularly helpful in the obese patient, in whom adequate pelvic examination was difficult.