imaging the reproductive system Flashcards
why do we need to image the reproductive tract?
pain distention infertility pregnancy menstrual problems
what do we use to image the reproductive tract?
ultrasound
CT
MRI
invasive surgical procedures/radiological
what is a transvaginal ultrasound used for?
to view the endometrium, looking at the lining, thickness and the ovaries, to evaluate the myometrium
what is sonohysterography?
US while injecting fluid into the uterine cavity, allows for a more in depth investigation
- uterine abnormalities
- uterine scars
- endometrial polyps
- fibroids
- cancer
what are the benefits of US?
real time imaging
minimally invasive
no radiation
safe - no known harmful effects
what things do they look at on imaging for infertility?
cervix
uterine cavity
Fallopian tubes
ovaries
what is hysterosalpinography?
catheter inserted into uterine cavity and contrast injected under pressure, it tracts along Fallopian tubes to check patience using x ray images
what congenital abnormalities of the uterus can be found?
septum, unicornuate, bi cornuate
when do we image in pregnancy?
early scan if clinical reason - IVF etc
12 week = dating scan
20 week = anomaly scan
additional scans depending on clinical need
what do they measure at 12 weeks dating scan?
crown rump length
nuchal tubal width
heart beat is assessed for viability
check number of fetuses
what is measured/done at the 20 week scan?
detailed role body scan to detect any abnormality
assess any abnormalities to see if its viable or not - may need referral to fatal maternal specialist
assess placenta and its location
what additional tests can be done in pregnancy to assess it?
blood tests amniocentesis chorionic villus sampling further US by specialist MRI
when and why is MRI used in pregnancy?
when?
- not in 1st trimester, only following tertiary referral, limited use in UK
why?
- no radiation, thought to be safe, only for clinical need
- insufficient info from US, need to plan for delivery and after care, info for future pregnancies
what are the problems wit using MRI?
expensive limited availability limited experience still developing not routine on NHS claustrophobia movement problems worse than US for limbs, heart and movement
what are the benefits of MRI?
images easier for parents to understand
better definition of brain and soft tissues
