Transvaginal ultrasonography in persistent trophoblastic tumor.

Abstract

We assessed the reliability of transvaginal ultrasonography in the detection of uterine involvement in cases of gestational trophoblastic tumor, to establish a possible role of this procedure in the management of such neoplasia. Transvaginal ultrasonography was performed in six women with gestational trophoblastic tumor at initial diagnosis, during the cytotoxic course when negative beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin levels were obtained, and within 3 to 6 months after the end of chemotherapy. In all cases in which metastatic disease was absent intrauterine localization was easily detected by transvaginal ultrasonography; it appeared as endometrial hypoechoic areas and intramyometrial nodules. Favorable response to chemotherapy was determined by a negative serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin determination accompanied by the finding of regression of nodules at transvaginal ultrasonography. Our data support the introduction of transvaginal ultrasonography in the management of gestational trophoblastic tumor.