Uterine changes after dilation and curettage: MR imaging findings

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Gynecology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a common gynecological procedure.
• Understanding post-procedural uterine changes on imaging is crucial for accurate interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in uterine appearance on magnetic resonance (MR) images following dilation and curettage (D&C).
• To characterize the temporal resolution of these MR imaging findings.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving nine women without prior endometrial abnormalities.
• MR imaging was performed before D&C and on days 2 and 7 after the procedure.
• Analysis focused on endometrial canal, stripe width, junctional zone, and myometrium.

Main Results:

• Markedly hypointense curvilinear areas, likely representing clot, were observed in the endometrial canal on day 2 post-D&C (P = .0002).
• These areas decreased in size or resolved completely by day 7 in all patients (P = .022).
• No significant changes were noted in endometrial stripe width, junctional zone, or myometrium in uncomplicated cases.

Conclusions:

• Uncomplicated D&C results in transient, low-signal intensity areas within the endometrial canal on MR imaging, typically resolving within a week.
• MR imaging can reliably visualize these post-D&C changes, aiding in differentiating them from other endometrial pathologies.