Three-dimensional ultrasonographic reconstruction of the uterine cavity: toward virtual hysteroscopy?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of diagnosing intrauterine abnormalities, using a "virtual endoscopy" technique based on 3D hysterosonographic data. Five patients who presented intrauterine abnormalities (polyps, n=2; leiomyomas, n=3) underwent 3D transvaginal hysterosonography. The 3D data set was subsequently processed by using a proper software that creates virtual endoscopy images. After ultrasonographic examination, patients had a conventional hysteroscopy. In all patients intrauterine lesions were easily and reliably detected by computer-reconstructed 3D hysterosonography. Images obtained by this "virtual hysteroscopy" technique, including fine intrauterine details, were remarkably comparable to those obtained by conventional hysteroscopy. The results of this pilot study indicate that computerized reconstruction of 3D hysterosonography offers adequate visualization and characterization of intrauterine lesions.