Uterus

A free gallery of high-resolution, ultrasound, color doppler and 3D images

Sonography of diseases of uterus:

Contents of this page:

1) Dystrophic calcification of uterus

2) Calcified_fibroid

Ring calcification of uterine fibroid

3) Ultrasound image of Pedunculated fibroid

4) Fibroid_in_pregnancy

5) Case-2: Early pregnancy with fundic fibroid of uterus

6) Case-3: Pregnancy with cervical fibroid

7) Types_of_fibroid

a) Submucous_fibroid

b) Case-2:_Submucous_fibroid:_(3-D_imaging)

c) Case-3:_Submucous_fibroid:_

d) Subserosal fibroid

e) Isthmic fibroid

f) Broad ligament fibroid

g) Broad ligament fibroid with calcification

h) Degenerative changes in fibroid

8) Pyometra

9) Infections of the uterus

10) Migrated IUCD

11) Congenital anomalies of uterus

a) Uterus didelphys or Didelphic uterus

b) Hypoplastic uterus

12) Foreign body in cervix of uterus

13) Uterine arterio-venous malformations

14) Adenomyosis of uterus

b) Case-2: Adenomyosis

c) Case-3: Adenomyosis

15) Ashermans syndrome: Uterine synechiae

16) Pedunculated polyp of the cervix

17) Pedunculated fibroid of the cervix

18) Nabothian cysts of the cervix

19) Lipoleiomyoma of uterus

20) Cystic hyperplasia of endometrium

1) Dystrophic calcification of uterus:

Your Ad Here

These sonographic images of the uterus reveal a dense calcification involving the inner myometrium and endometrium. This 23 yr. old female had a history of curettage. The diagnosis- dystrophic calcification of the uterus. The cause is usually instrumentation or procedures like curettage. These have little clinical significance. However, bony remnants of any previously aborted fetus must be excluded (see reference below). Images courtesy of Dr. Jaydeep Gandhi, Mumbai, India.

Reference:

http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/104555335/ABSTRACT (abstract)

2) Calcified fibroid:

Sonography of fibroid with calcification:

This middle aged female patient complained of pain in the suprapubic region. Ultrasound imaging revealed a small uterus with a calcific well-defined, intramural mass in the lower part of the body of uterus. There is clear acoustic shadowing posterior to the calcific lesion. These findings suggest a calcific fibroid of the uterus. Fibroids are often known to undergo calcificaiton in elderly females.

Reference: http://www.emedicine.com/radio/topic777.htm (free article)

Case-2: Calcification in fibroid: (C- shaped calcific fibroid):

This intramural fibroid shows abundant calcification along the rim in a C-shape. Color Doppler image shows no significant vascular abnormality, except for some degree of "twinkling artefacts". Calcification of fibroids may occur as a peripheral ring or as popcorn type. Ultrasound image above is courtesy of Dr. Vikas Shukla, MD, India.

Case-3: Ring calcification of uterine fibroid:

Fibroids can also show a complete ring of calcification, as in the ultrasound images shown in case-3 above. The fibroid shows a dense peripheral calcific rim, within the intramural mass that occupies the fundus and body of the uterus. The ultrasound image on the right is a 3D rendering of the calcific ring in the fibroid. The striking resemblance to a fetal head is amazing. Images are courtesy of Dr. Ravi Kadasne, MD, UAE.

3) Ultrasound image of Pedunculated fibroid:

Sonography of the uterus was done in this patient. Ultrasound image reveals a moderately large fibroid (7 x 5.3 cms.) connected to the fundus of the uterus by a thin stalk (peduncle). Ultrasound image courtesy of Dr. Ravi Kadasne, UAE. Machine used here is the Philips iu 22.

4) Fibroid in pregnancy:

Case-1: Fibroid in body of uterus:

These ultrasound and color Doppler images show a gravid uterus (with 3rd trimester fetus), and a solid, inhomogenous, poorly vascular mass in the anterior wall of the uterus, bulging into the uterine cavity. Note the hypoechoic areas within the mass suggesting possible degenerative changes. These images are diagnostic of a pregnancy with fibroid. Ultrasound images courtesy of Dr. Ravi Kadasne, UAE; he used the Philips iu 22 machine for these stunning pictures.

Case-2: Early pregnancy with fundic fibroid of uterus:

The 3 ultrasound pictures above show an early gestation sac (with a viable embryo), and a large fibroid in the fundus of the uterus. The mass (FIBR= fibroid), shows absence of degenerative changes or calcification despite its large size (almost 8 x 9 cms.). Power Doppler image of the uterus (image on top right) shows rim of vessels around the fibroid. Such early pregnancies with large fibroids have a high risk of abortions.

Case-3: Pregnancy with cervical fibroid:

This was a 19 week old pregnancy with the fetus seen to the left of the images. The ultrasound images show a large fibroid involving the lower uterine segment and cervix of the uterus. The mass measures 6 x 7 cms. approximately. Color Doppler image shows poor vascularity of the tumor. (FIBR= fibroid; fet= fetus; BL= bladder).

For more/ ultrasound video clips of this case see:

http://cochinblogs.blogspot.com/2010/05/fibroid-of-cervix-in-19-week-pregnancy.html

5) Types of fibroid:

A) Submucous fibroid:

This young adult female patient showed a large hyperechoic well defined, solid mass inside the body of uterus, in close relation to the endometrial cavity. Sonography of the uterus shows that the mass is possibly within the endomterial cavity. Power Doppler image (top-right) shows that there is a rim of vascularity around the mass. The mass measures more than 4 cms. in size. These ultrasound findings/ images suggest submucous fibroid of the uterus. The main differential diagnosis in this case is endometrial polyp. However, the larger size (polyps are usually less than 2 cms. in size) and lack of a single vascular pedicle (seen in polyps) suggest submucous fibroid. Images taken using a Toshiba Nemio-XG ultrasound system by Joe Antony, MD, India.

Reference: http://www.jultrasoundmed.org/cgi/reprint/26/7/941 (free article and images).

Case-2: Submucous fibroid: (3-D imaging):

Here are some interesting ultrasound images if a submucous fibroid using a new technique called Volume contrast imaging. This renders 2 D image sections of a volume image (3-D image) acquired of the part being studied (here the Uterus). (Images courtesy of Dr. PK Srivastava, India).

This technique appears to be an application of 3D/ 4D ultrasound. Observe how volume contrast ultrasound images of the uterus bring out the fine detail of the submucous fibroid and its margins. The image on lower right shows the 3D ultrasound appearance of the disease.

Case-3: Submucous fibroid:

This was a young adult female patient with a relatively large submucous fibroid bulging into the uterine cavity. Transabdominal ultrasound image (left) shows fluid within the uterine cavity bringing out the mass in contrast. This fluid was naturally present in the endometrial cavity possibly the result of endometritis. Color Doppler image (right) shows vascular pedicle supplying the fibroid. Images are courtesy of Ravi Kadasne, MD, UAE. The machine used here is the Toshiba Aplio.

B) Subserosal fibroid (also called Subserous fibroid):

Sonography of the pelvis done on this young adult female patient revealed a large, solid, non-calcific well defined mass located in the anterior wall of the body of uterus. The mass shows absence of central necrosis or infiltration of the bladder wall, though it compresses upon the urinary bladder. Since the mass lies just below the serosal layer of the uterus, these images suggest subserosal fibroid of the uterus. Such large, subserous fibroids of the uterus can cause pain and symptoms due to pressure effect on the urinary bladder, rectum, ureters etc. The Power Doppler image (bottom), shows stretching of the vessels around the rim of the fibroid.

Reference: http://bjr.birjournals.org/cgi/reprint/43/513/602

C) Isthmic fibroid:

This patient complained of pain in the lower abdomen and was suspected to have a disease of the ovaries or uterus. Sonography of the uterus shows a large, solid mass, 7.5 x 7.7 cms., in the lower part of the uterus, mainly involving the isthmic region (the junction between the body and cervix of the uterus). The mass shows typical features of in intramural fibroid of the uterus. Diagnosis: isthmic fibroid of the uterus. Isthmic fibroids can cause infertility and repeated abortions. Power Doppler image shows the vessels curving around the isthmic mass. Ultrasound images of isthmic fibroid taken using a Nemio-XG ultrasound system by Joe Antony, MD.

D) Broad ligament fibroid

Interligamentous fibroid or fibroid within broad ligament:

Sometimes a fibroid can grow laterally into the region between the two layers of the broad ligament, These ultrasound images show a solid mass to the right of the body of uterus. The mass is non calcific and shows no degenerative changes and appears to occupy the right broad ligament (arrows). This suggests a right broad ligament fibroid (also called interligamentous fibroid). Such fibroids can be difficult to remove surgically due to the vessels passing through the broad ligament.

Reference:1) http://www.healthsquare.com/fgwh/wh1ch07.htm (free article)

2) http://www.jkscience.org/archive/vol8a/BroadLigament.pdf (free article)

E) Broad ligament fibroid with calcification:

This patient was a young lady with pelvic pain. Ultrasound images show-

Transabdominal ultrasound: Transvaginal ultrasound:

The transabdominal ultrasound clearly shows a rounded calcific mass (along the rim), in right adnexal region. transvaginal sonography confirms the finding. The transvaginal ultrasound appears more accurate in measuring the size of the calcific broad ligament fibroid (3 cms.). But there is more.....

This image (transabdominal) shows a cystic area anteriorly: Now see the transvaginal image:

The transabdominal ultrasound image shows a cystic lesion anterior to the uterus. The question- is this a cystic mass? And where does it arise from? The transvaginal image shows this to the cervix with multiple Nabothian cysts studding it. The uterus is markedly retroflexed and retroverted, causing the posterior surfaces of the fundus and the cervix to appose each other. The retroflexion is so severe that the anterior surface of the body of uterus faces posteriorly with the fundus lying posterior to the cervix! This was the cause of the diagnostic dilemma.

Another transvaginal ultrasound image showing the cervix with multiple Nabothian cysts:

F) Degenerative changes in fibroid (degenerating fibroid):

Fibroids can undergo various degenerative changes, especially when large. This fibroid of the uterus measures 11.2 cms. and shows multiple hypoechoic and hyperechoic patchy areas (see ultrasound images below).

Color and Power Doppler images are shown below:

There is little vascularity within the huge tumor of the upper uterus (fundus and body). Degenerative changes can take place in fibroids with areas of necrosis and hemorrhage and result in varying appearances from cystic to inhomogenous appearances. In fact, it may be difficult to differentiate a large complicated ovarian cyst from a degenerated fibroid.

References: http://www.jultrasoundmed.org/cgi/content/long/25/5/671

6) Pyometra:

This 70 yr. old patient presented with foul smelling vaginal discharge with fever. Sonography revealed a large collecion of fluid with echogenic debris within the endometrial cavity. Transvaginal ultrasound scan images reveal fluid within the fundus and body in the uterine cavity. These findings are diagnostic of pyometra. Color doppler imaging shows marginal increase in vascularity in the uterine walls. Images courtesy of Dr. Jaydeep Gandhi, Mumbai, India.

Reference: 1) Pyometra What is its clinical significance? (abstract- free)

2) Spontaneous Perforation of Pyometra (full text article- free)

Infections of the uterus:

Endometritis:

This female patient presented with symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Sonography of the uterus showed a bulky uterus with fluid distended (possibly purulent) endometrial cavity. The endometrium also appears thickened and hyperechoic. This ultrasound image is diagnostic of endometritis. The commonest of causes of endometritis are Chlamydial and/ or streptococcal infections. Untreated, it may progress to salpingitis or Pelvic abscess. Endometritis is a common disease during immediate post partum period. Ultrasound image is courtesy of Dr. Gunjan Puri, MD, India.

Reference: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/254169-overview (free article and images).

7) Migrated IUCD:

This ultrasound image shows an IUCD (or Intra-uterine contraceptive device) that has migrated from the uterine cavity to pierce the posterior myometrial wall of the body of the uterus. Migration of the IUCD is a known complication of this device. Ultrasound image taken by Dr. Ravi Kadasne, UAE, using a Philips IU-22 ultrasound system.

Reference: http://www.ifpa.ie/contraception/iucd.html (free article)

8) Congenital anomalies of uterus:

Uterus didelphys or Didelphic uterus:

Sonography of the uterus shows 2 separate uteri, 2 separate cervices and separate vagina in this female patient. These ultrasound images are diagnostic of uterus didelphys or didelphic uterus. This is an extreme example of complete failure of fusion of the 2 halves of the uterus (Mullerian ducts) during the fetal stage.

These ultrasound images were taken by Dr. Ravi Kadasne, UAE, using a Philips IU 22 ultrasound machine.

Hypoplastic uterus:

Transabdominal ultrasonography of the pelvis in this 33 yr. old female patient revealed a very small

rudimentary uterus.

Transvaginal ultrasound images show the uterus measuring about 2.5 x 2 x 1 cms., clearly too small for a woman in the 30s. The uterine cavity (endometrial cavity shows minimal fluid within it). Transverse section ultrasound image shows markedly reduced intercornual distance (less than 2 cms.).

The rudimentary Fallopian tubes are visible, but the ovaries appear very small. Clearly this lady appears to have a hypoplastic uterus with very small ovaries. The chances of conception in such a woman are very low or unlikely.

Reference: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/405335-imaging

9) Foreign body in cervix of uterus:

Rice grain in cervix in child:

This patient, a 3 yr. old female child had history of sitting and playing on a pile of rice grains. Following this incident, she complained of pain in the pelvis and perineum. Sonography of the pelvis in this child showed an echogenic lesion (echogenic focus) of 4 to 5mm. in the cervix of the uterus. Color Doppler images showed typical twinkling artifact around this lesion. There was intense posterior acoustic shadowing beyond this lesion. Given the history of the child, these ultrasound images suggest foreign body in the cervix, which in this case may be a rice grain. Sonographic images are courtesy of Dr. Vikas Shukla, MD, India.

Reference: http://www.gjms786.com/files/Case%20Vol-6-1.pdf

10) Uterine arterio-venous malformations:

AVM inside the uterus:

These transvaginal ultrasound and Color Doppler images of the uterus show inhomogenous hypoechoic lesions close to and within the endometrium of this female patient. Color Doppler, in addition, shows a tangle or chaotic pattern multiple dilated vessels in this region of the uterus, extending into its myometrium. Spectral Doppler shows high velocity flow pattern within these vessels, with low resistance (or high diastolic flow). This sonographic appearance is typical of AVM (arterio-venous malformation) of the uterus. This has to differentiated from GTD (gestational trophoblastic disease/ vesicular mole etc.) and retained products of conception. All images are courtesy of Dr. Dilraj Gandhi, MD, India. The machine used here was the GE Voluson.

Reference: 1) http://www.jultrasoundmed.org/cgi/reprint/25/11/1387 (free article and images)

2) http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/22/1/47.full.pdf+html (free article and images)

11) Adenomyosis of uterus:

Transvaginal ultrasound and Color Doppler images of the uterus in this patient show: irregular and asymmetric, diffuse enlargement of the uterus, poorly defined myometrial- endometrial interface (poorly defined endometrium), inhomogenous myometrium, streaky acoustic shadowing posterior to the uterus and irregular inhomogenous increase in vascularity of the myometrium (see Color Doppler image of uterus on right). There is also a poorly defined hypoechoic mass in the posterior myometrium. These ultrasound findings are suggestive of adenomyosis of the uterus. Sometimes hypoechoic/ anechoic cystic areas may also be seen in the myometrium in this disease (not seen here). The main differential diagnosis in this case is fibroid of the uterus. However, fibroids are well defined, more or less homogenous masses and do not produce streaky (dirty) shadows. Also, on transvaginal sonography fibroids are usually non-tender on probe pressure. Fibroids also usually have a hypoechoic halo or margin due to compressed vessels. Adenomyosis never contains calcific areas. Ultrasound images are courtesy of Dr. Latha Natarajan, India.

Reference: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/459772 (free article)

Case-2: Adenomyosis:

This transabdominal ultrasound image shows a large (bulky) uterus with a diffusely infiltrative, inhomogenous appearance of the myometrium with dirty, streaky shadowing posteriorly. The uterus shows a globular shape with the endometrium almost obscured. These features are typically seen in adenomyosis. However, both fibroids/ leiomyoma of the uterus can simultaneously be present with diffuse adenomyosis as in this case. Ultrasound image courtesy of Vikas Shukla, MD, India.

Case-3: Adenomyosis:

This young lady has a history of severe pain during menses. Transvaginal ultrasound imaging shows a simple cyst of the left ovary. The uterus appears bulky with thickened endometrium (12 to 14 mm.). In addition, there is a hyperechoic, inhomogenous lesion posterior to the endometrium and compressing upon it. This lesion also shows some cystic areas within it. Cystic lesions are also present in the endometrium. Myometrial cysts and cystic lesions are characteristic of adenomyosis of the uterus. The hyperechoic myometrial areas are caused by the migration of endometrial tissue into the myometrium. The hypoechoic areas within the adenomyotic lesions are the result of hyperplasia of the myometrial smooth muscle around the ectopic endometrial tissue. The actual measure of the adenomyosis being hypoechoic or hyperechoic depends on the ratio of smooth muscle hyperplasia (hypoechoic) to the endometrial tissue (hyperechoic) within the lesion in the myometrium.

The above color Doppler and Power Doppler images further confirm the highly vascular nature of the lesion. These ultrasound appearances are diagnostic of adenomyosis of the uterus. The left ovarian cyst was just an incidental finding, but not the cause of dysmenorrhea.

Color Doppler videos of this case are at:

http://ultrasound-videos.blogspot.com/2011/03/adenomyosis-of-uterus.html

http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/19/suppl_1/S147.full

http://www.ajronline.org/content/179/2/379.full

12) Asherman's syndrome: Uterine synechiae:

This young adult female patient underwent D &C (dilatation and curettage) some time ago. Presently, she presented with abdominal pain. The sagittal ultrasound images of the uterus show small amount of fluid inside the endometrial cavity with adhesions between the anterior and posterior walls of the cavity (arrowheads). These ultrasound findings are diagnostic of Asherman's syndrome or uterine synechia/ adhesions. Synechiae of the uterus are typically seen following a D & C of the uterus. The cause is possibly adhesions or scarring within the walls of the raw surfaces of the uterine cavity. This condition is usually treated by surgical intervention, using a procedure called adhesiolysis during hysteroscopy. Untreated, this condition can result in infertility and amenorrhea. Ultrasound images are courtesy of Dr. Vikas Shukla, MD, India.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asherman%27s_syndrome

http://pjms.com.pk/issues/octdec05/article/article13.html

13) Pedunculated polyp of the cervix:

Transabdominal ultrasound scan in this middle aged lady showed a bulky uterus with a small hypoechoic lesion in the anterior wall of the fundus. Possibly, this is a cases of adenomyosis of the uterus. But, this alone did not appear to explain the cause of her symptoms. Transvaginal ultrasound images revealed a cervical pathology. See grey scale images below:

Transvaginal ultrasound images of the cervix (sagittal) show a 6 x 15 mm. long, echogenic mass in the endocervical canal. The diagnostic possibilities here appear to be prolapsed endometrial polyp (descending from the uterine cavity above) or a small endocervical fibroid. However, there appeared to be no extension of the mass upwards, with its boundaries, well within the endocervix. Transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound images in both sagittal and transverse sections revealed:

Clearly this is a very vascular fleshy mass within the endocervix, the most probable diagnosis being a cervica, pedunculated polyp. Here are a couple more Power doppler and Spectral Doppler trace images:

There is pulsatile flow within the vessels in the cervical canal, further confirming the highly vascular nature of the mass. Final diagnosis - pedunculated polyp of the cervix.

Reference: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/uog.1992/pdf (free article and images).

For a color Doppler ultrasound video demonstration of this case see:

http://ultrasound-videos.blogspot.com/2010/11/pedunculated-cervical-polyp-ultrasound.html

14) Pedunculated fibroid of the cervix:

This lady has a large mass in the endocervical canal (measuring 5.3 x 5.8 cms.). The mass is solid and inhomogenous, well outlined by fluid surrounding the tumor. This mass is well defined in outline with a short peduncle (stalk) connecting it to the endocervix. These ultrasound images suggest pedunculated fibroid of the cervix. The large size differentiates this mass from a polyp of the cervix (see case 13 above). Ultrasound images are courtesy of Dr. Vikas Shukla, MD, India.

References: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/405676-overview

15) Nabothian cysts of the cervix:

Ultrasound image- sagittal section uterus: Cervix - multiple Nabothian cysts seen:

Cervix- transvaginal ultrasound image: Transvaginal Power Doppler image endometrium:

This 42 year old patient presented with irregular menses and lower abdominal pain. Transvaginal ultrasound shows thickened endometrium, with multiple cystic lesions of the cervix- the largest cyst being 15 mm. in size. Dystrophic calcification is present in one of the cysts in the cervix. The commonest cause of cystic lesions in the cervix is Nabothian follicles or Nabothian cysts. Usually these cysts are 3 to 5 mm. in diameter. In this the Nabothian cysts measure up to 15 mm. in size. Nabothian follicles are also called mucinous retention cysts and are the result of obstruction of the mucous glands of the endocervix resulting in accumulation of mucous within the glands. Unless they are large or multiple or infected they are usually asymptomatic and do not require surgical or medical treatment.

References: http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/25/1/3.full (free article and images)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nabothian_cyst

Article in Nabothian cysts

16) Lipoleiomyoma of uterus:

This postmenopausal woman presented with pelvic pain and discomfort. Ultrasound images show a markedly hyperechoic, rounded mass of approximately 3 cms. in the lower part of the body of uterus. The mass is intramural in location and shows a hypoechoic rim around it. These ultrasound imaging characteristics are diagnostic of lipoleiomyoma of the uterus. A small amount of fluid is present in the uterine cavity. So what is a lipoleiomyoma of the uterus? These are benign tumors of the uterus and are typically found in the body of the uterus. Lipoleiomyomas are essentially fibroids of the uterus that have undergone fatty degeneration of the smooth muscle cells within the leiomyoma (fibroid). Thus lipoleiomyomas of the uterus contain smooth muscle, fatty tissue (adipose cells) and fibrous tissue. Ultrasound images of lipoleiomyoma of uterus are courtesy of Dr. Jaydeep Gandhi, MD, India. The machine used here is the Aloka Prosound Alpha 7 ultrasound system.

References: Free article on radiology of lipoleiomyoma of uterus

AJR article on imaging of lipoleiomyoma of uterus

http://bjr.birjournals.org/cgi/reprint/70/838/1068.pdf (radiology of lipoleiomyoma)

17) Cystic hyperplasia of endometrium:

Sagittal section of the uterus (TV scan ultrasound images):

TV scan - color Doppler image: Spectral Doppler image of endometrial vessel:

This young 25 year old female patient had polymenorrhea for which she underwent medication using Novex-DS (an estrogen receptor modulator) and regesterone. The endometrium shows typical changes of long term use of estrogen agonists or high estrogenic exposure. Endometrial thickness here measures 20 mm. There is also evidence of minute cysts within the endometrium s/o cystic hyperplasia. If the endometrial thickness exceeds 10mm., it is said to be hyperplastic. Endometrial hyperplasia can be reliably excluded if the endometrial thickness is less than 6 mm. These ultrasound and color Doppler images show cystic endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that is often seen in women who undergo medication with tamoxifen. Endometrial hyperplasia can be classified into- cystic, adenomatous and atypical depending on the ultrasound appearances. There is also a prominent feeder vessel passing through the endometrium in this patient suggesting a differential diagnosis of cystic changes within an endometrial polyp. Such changes of cystic hyperplasia of the endometrium seen in premenopausal women are usually reversible after withdrawal of exposure to the medication.

References: http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/21/6/1409.full (ultrasound imaging of endometrial hyperplasia)

http://www.jultrasoundmed.org/content/26/1/55.full.pdf (article on sonography in endometrial hyperplasia).

Your Ad Here

This page was last edited on: Monday January 30, 2012 04:57 PM

Scan centre: ULTRASCAN CENTRE, 34, LIG, OPP. SPENCERS, JUDGES AVENUE, KALOOR, ERNAKULAM,

COCHIN (KOCHI)- 682018, KERALA.

Ph: (Off.) 91-484-2403058, (Residence) 91-484-2311416, (Cell) 91- 93886-23088

Contact: joe@ultrasound-images.com or drjoea (at) gmail.com