[Diagnosis of uterine vascular malformation using Doppler ultrasound]

We present the case of a 56-year-old woman, who was admitted to our clinic for diagnostic laparoscopy because of a cystic uterine tumour of uncertain dignity. In the patient's history three curettages due to recurrent acyclic premenopausal vaginal bleeding were reported without specific histological findings. The preceding MRI described the structure as a myoma. During preoperative diagnostics an arteriovenous malformation was suspected by transvaginal Doppler sonography. Consequently the procedure was changed and a laparotomy performed. The sonographic findings were confirmed during surgery and by histological examination. This case points out the important role of transvaginal sonography combined with colour-flow-mapping. By confirming the diagnosis preoperatively and changing the management a low-risk procedure could be ensured.