Gynecologic Sonography
Report of the Ultrasonography Task Force
- Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association
Abstract
Sonography, because it is nonionizing, is the preferred imaging modality for the female pelvis. Traditionally, transabdominal, transcystic studies were performed. However, development of transvaginal and transrectal transducers has led to enhanced imaging capabilities of the pelvis. These new technologies will likely improve our ability to understand gynecologic pathology. The clinical use of pelvic ultrasonography depends on a thorough understanding of normal anatomy and cyclical changes and on the relative limitations of the imaging modality in specifically characterizing pathologic processes. This article reviews the accepted role of pelvic sonography in gynecologic disease and provides a preview of some of the potential applications of recent advances in sonographic technology.
(JAMA. 1991;265:2851-2855)
Footnotes
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This report was submitted to the House of Delegates of the American Medical Association on June 24,1990, as an informational report of the Council on Scientific Affairs.
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This report is not intended to be construed or to serve as a standard of medical care. Standards of medical care are determined on the basis of all the facts and circumstances involved in an individual case and are subject to change as scientific knowledge and technology advance and patterns of practice evolve. This report reflects the scientific literature as of March 1990. Reprint requests to Council on Scientific Affairs, Group on Science and Technology, American Medical Association, 515 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610 (William T. McGiveney, PhD).
