[Comparison of vaginal ultrasound and histologic findings of the endometrium]

Transvaginal ultrasound makes it possible to show pelvic structures much more precisely than the abdominal method. As a consequence structures, which have hardly been seen so far, especially in the uterine cavity and the adnexal region, can be seen and analysed more distinctly. This is of vital importance for women of advanced age. We examined 450 women in pre- and postmenopause and studied in detail the structures of the endometrium shown by transvaginal ultrasound according to their respective shapes. In 215 cases they were compared with histological findings. It became evident that the size and structure of the endometrium can indicate its histological state. Premalignant or malignant formations of tissue occurred almost only in an endometrium with a thickness of more than 10 mm or in polyp-like structures. We conclude that in case of thick or extraordinarily structured endometrium - even without any symptoms of bleeding - a curettage should be performed. Vaginal ultrasound, which is, compared to other methods of examining the endometrium, very simple and non-invasive, can be applied any time. For these reasons it represents, in our opinion, another step towards improving the possibilities of diagnosing carcinoma of the endometrium at an early stage.