Misdiagnoses in obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound examinations: causes and possible solutions

Two small series of cases documenting ultrasound misdiagnoses are presented. The first concerns obstetric ultrasound misdiagnoses originating in the private offices of physicians. The second concerns gynecologic ultrasound misdiagnoses originating in a level II medical center. A dichotomy exists in the use of diagnostic ultrasound examination in the practice of obstetrics and gynecology. The dichotomy is a serious defect in our specialty that needs urgent addressing. The institutional problem can be partially resolved by furnishing the sonographer with the referred patient's history and physical findings. The problem of the ultrasound machine in the office of a private physician is much more complex. It may require government intervention and strict licensing measures for resolution.