THE ORTHOGONAL VIEW IN GYNAECOLOGICAL IMAGING: WORK IN PROGRESS

Dr Gary Pritchard MBBS FRANZCOG DDU, Brisbane Ultrasound for Women, Spring Hill, Queensland.

Introduction
Transvaginal B-mode imaging is the current standard in assessment of female pelvic anatomy. Because the intervening tissue consists only of vaginal wall, higher frequency probes can be used to produce images of outstanding quality. This instrument has allowed greater precision in the diagnosis of gynaecological disease. The transvaginal approach has problems however, in that there is a more limited ability to angle the probe to obtain optimum planes than with a transabdominal approach. The sonographer is then required to produce a mental image of the third plane, in order to arrive at a decision about the pelvic findings. Considerable experience and training is needed to allow accurate interpretation of the findings, and while we recognise that this is essential, it is true that those factors can vary widely within the sonographic community.

Citation
Pritchard G. The orthogonal view in gynaecological imaging: work in progress. ASUM Bulletin 2001.3:15-17.