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Objective: The aim of our study was to describe potential value of 3DXI as a new method for the three dimensional ultrasound examinations in the differential diagnosis of the bicornuate and septate uterine anomalies.
Methods: Examinations were performed by two trained observers from Jan. 2004 to Dec. 2005 in 716 cases. An ultrasound machine (Accuvix, Medison, Korea) equipped with a transvaginal 5-8 MHz volume transducer, which has a 100° field of view, was used. For each case, volume data were usually acquired from the mid sagittal plane of the uterus, a few data from the transverse view and those were stored on the built in hard disk of the 3D ultrasound machine, were analysed using the 3 D Xi as well as the classical three dimensional planes mode. The differentiation of between septal uteri and bicornuate uteri were made by the extent of the septum and fundal indentation.
Results: 15 cases among 716 cases (7 cases of septal uteri, 8 cases of bicornuate uteri) were differentiated by the classical 3D and 3D XITM. The OBV mode allowed examination of the coronal plane across the curvature of the endometrial cavity from cervix, and modulated straight line confirmed the junction of the two septum near cervix. The MSV mode were advantageous in identifying fundal indentation and showed multi sequential views in same plane as in MRI with 0.5-3 mm interval.
Conclusion: 3DXI can display the volume data in a different display from conventional three dimensional ultrasound, and provide additional diagnostic tool in the differential diagnosis of the congenital uterine anomalies.