TRANSVAGINAL SONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN EARLY PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Transvaginal sonography is rapidly becoming a very useful diagnostic tool for evaluating patients in very early pregnancy . Locating the ultrasound transducer in the vagina allows close examination of the cervix , uterus , foetus , ovaries and fallopian tubes . Being very near from these structures , higher frequency could be used and sharper focus will be achieved .

By using the transvaginal transducer in early pregnancy , we can easily comment on the position and regularity of the chorio-decidua of the gestational sac , the presence or absence of a yolk sac and I or the embryo . It is also useful in evaluating the andnexae and Cul-de-sac .

Transvaginal sonography is very useful in diagnosing and follow up of certain pregnancy complications as missed, threatened or incomplete abortions . It is used in identification of isthmic incompetence in cases of habitual abortion . It is also used to follow up the patients with cerclage , and to evaluate the accuracy in placing the suture . Transvaginal sonography has a major role in detecting placental abnormalities such as molar pregnancy which has a characteristic grape like configuration , placenta previa and adherent placenta .