What Is Ultrasound
What Is Ultrasound
COMPILED BY
DR.DIPALI KADAM
MR.ABHAY SANTOSHWAR
The following pages of this handbook are meant to serve you as a reference to the
procedures & techniques used for diagnosis in Obstetrics & Gynaecology. It is by
any chance not a final word or a commandment. We request you to kindly do all the
needful reading to make optimum use of this handbook.
We would appreciate your inputs for the betterment of this handbook.
Happy Scanning!
Friends & Family members are not the last, nor the least.
TERMINOLOGY
The following terms are of great importance to adjust an image to its optimum
quality.
1) Gain: - It increases the brightness of low intensity echoes. You can gain
brightness with Gain.
2) Dynamic Range: - It is a boon to real time scanners & facilitates movement
of probe or the anatomy while scanning & still transmits a live image.
3) TGC: - Time Gain Compensation is used to increase the brightness at
specific depths.
4) Frame Rate: - It is the number of frames a machine can display on the
monitor per second. Higher frame rates replenish the data on the screen
faster & thus more fresh data is available at any point of time.
5) Brightness & Contrast: - These knobs are situated normally on the monitor
& can be used to fine tune the image quality. Once adjusted it hardly needs
further improvement.
2. Documentation:
It is essential to make adequate records of the study. Permanent images of all the
appropriate areas, both normal and abnormal, should be included in the record. Labeling
with the patient’s name, the examination date, measurements and where important
orientation should be included. A written report including a description of normal, abnormal
findings and measurements should be included for the medical record.
3. Preparation:
The patients’ urinary bladder should be full for transabdominal / transvesical ultrasound.
This is not necessary for transvaginal examinations. It may be prudent to offer a third party
presence during a transvaginal examination.
4. Equipment:
Abdominal Ultrasound examinations should be conducted with a real-time scanner,
preferably using sector or curved linear transducers using frequencies of 3.5 MHz or
higher. Transvaginal scans should be done with frequencies of 5 MHz or higher.
1. Routine Ultrasound
o The first term scan can be performed for viability, gestational age & no. of
foetus.
o The second term scan (18-22 wks) can be performed to rule out congenital
anomalies. It is the optimal time for evaluation of dating, biometry and
malformation.
o The third term scan is meant for growth, maturity & presentation.
1. EQUIPMENT:
Real time scanners using abdominal transducers of 3.5 MHz or higher are generally used
Instruments should be serviced and calibrated at least once a year.
2. DOCUMENTATION:
It is essential to keep adequate records of the study. A permanent record of the images
should incorporate, where ever possible, measurements and anatomical findings specified
later in this document. Proper labeling should include the examination date and patient
identification. A written report should be produced for inclusion in the patient’s medical
record.
3. KEY IMAGES:
Key images of obstetrical examination that should be studied, whenever possible, and
recorded.
Intracranial anatomy
Fetal spine
Abdomen
Stomach
Kidneys (renal area)
Abdominal wall at cord insertion
Abdominal Circumference
Bladder
Femur (length) FL
Amniotic fluid
- Polyhydramnous - Fluid pocket greater than eight cms
or amniotic fluid
index > 25
4. SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS:
a) Fetal viability and number should be documented.
b) An estimate of the amount of amniotic fluid should be reported.
c) Placental location, appearance and its relationship to the internal OS should be recorded.
If possible, the number of vessels in the cord is noted.
Comment: The placental position in early pregnancy may not reflect the position at the
time of delivery.
d) Evaluation of the uterus and adnexal structures should be performed to allow
recognition of clinically relevant myomas and adnexal masses.
e) Cervix: length measurement, when relationship of placenta to internal OS indicated
clinically.
(iii) Transcerebellar diameter (TcD), taken at the axial plane of the posterior fossa. This
permits assessment of the cisterna magna (normal 4 to 11 mm) and the nuchal skin fold
(normal = less than 6 mm). A six mm or more measurement is considered suspicious for
Down’s syndrome.
(iv) Ventricular plane (VP) located slightly cephalad to the BPD plane permits
assessment of the size of the posterior horn of the cerebral lateral ventricle and the
appearance of the choroid plexus (normal = less than or equal to 10 mm).
[III] LIMBS
6. FETAL ANATOMY
8. MULTIPLE PREGNANCIES:
Multiple pregnancies require documentation of number of fetus, placental site and
number, comparison of size, presence and nature of the separating membrane.
Disclaimer
This text refers to the guidelines for standard screening second trimester scan and
is not meant to be all inclusive. Some anomalies may remain undetected.
THE STATIC VARIABLES & THEIR TIMING OF THE SCAN ARE AS FOLLOWS:-
parameters (MFGP)
mass.
DOUBLE DECIDUAL
SAC
YOLK SAC
CARDIAC ACTIVITY
4) FL – FEMUR LENGTH
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
MORBID FETAL CONDITIONS-
TECHNIQUES - SCORING.
FETAL BREATHING- At least 1 episode of FMB, 30 sec in 30 min. = 2 score.
GROSS BODY MOVEMENTS – at least 3 discrete bodies /limb movement in 30
min, continuous movement. =Score 2
FETAL TONE- At least 1 episode of ext à flexes. Of trunk/limb, Hand-O/C =Score
2.
Cardiac Acceleration -1 episode of Cardiac Acceleration. Bt 15bpm for 15 sec, in 30
min.= Score 2
Qualitative Amniotic Fluid Volume – 2x2 cm at least one pocket. =Score 2
Fetal Hypoxia
Reflux Redistribution of
Cardiac Output.
OBSTETRICS DOPPLER
ASSESS-PHYSIOLOGY-PATHOPHYSIOLOGY-OF-MATERNAL-FETAL CIRCULATION.
COLOR-AUDIO-SPECTRAL. DOPPLER.
CIRCULATION
1. UTERO-PLACENTAL – Uterine Artery.
2. FETO-PLACENTAL –Umbilical Artery.
3. FETAL – MCA ,AO,RENAL, DV,IVC
1) UTERO-PLACENTAL CIRCULATION
o UTERINE ARTERY DOPPLER (BOTH SIDES)
o IMPORTANCE OF DIASTOLIC NOTCH
o ABSCENCE / REVERSAL OF DIASTOLIC FLOW
o RI-- < 0.54
o IMPORTANCE- PLACENTAL INSUFFICIENCY DUE TO RAISED PLACENTAL RESISTENCE –
PIH, ECLAPSIA, HYPOXIA, IUGR.
2) FETO-PLACENTAL CIRCULATION
o UMBILICAL ARTERY FLOW- PATTERN
o S/D RATIO < 3
o FACTOR OF FETAL INSUFFICIENCY
o INDICATOR OF PROBABLE F.ASPYXIA.
o REVERSAL /ABSCENCE.
o TO BE VIEWED WITH OTHER PARAMETERS.
3) FETAL CIRCULATION.
o F.MCA- ASYM-IUGR,
o AORTIC- PERIPHERAL VASOCONSTRICTION IN INSUFFICIENCY.
o DUCTUS- RT. SIDED DECOPRESION.
o RENAL –RAISED RESISTENCE.
o IVC.
INTERPRETETION
o Nor.Ut. + Nor. Um => Healthy
o Ab.Ut. + Nor. Um. => Premature.
o Nor. Ut. + Ab.Um. = > Hypoxia.
CHAPTER-IX
I - FETAL ECHO
20-24 WK
OPERATOR DEPENDENT-METICULOUS.
4C HRT-OUT TRACTS- (95% anomalies detected)
NOT FOR ALL ROUTINE PATIENTS
ASD,VSD,PS - COMMON
2) FETAL INDICATION:-
o Polyhydramnous.
o Non-immune hydrops.
o Dysrhythmias.
o Extra-cardiac Anomalies.
o Chromosomal Aberration.
III - TECHNIQUE
IV – PATHOLOGY
INTRAUTERINE DEMISE
SONOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF
EMBRYONIC / FETAL DEMISES
a) No cardiac activity
b) No fetal movement
e) Echogenic bowel
f) Oligohydramnios
* Fetal age at the time of fetal death can be established by FL / limb measurements
OSSIFICATION
The process of bone formation is called as ossification which continues through out the
pregnancy and even after birth. It is most rapid during the first trimester of pregnancy.
The process of ossification starts at the center of diaphysis and is called as primary center
of ossification.Secondary centers of ossification for the ends of the long bones appear
before and after birth.
FL / AC ratio (0.16)
Less than 0.16 = Lethal
TC / AC ratio (0.89)
Less than 0.89 = lethal
CC / TC ratio (0.6)
More than 60% indicates narrow thorax
Absolute thoracic measurements below 5th % tile of mean for gestational age.
CHAPTER-XIV
1. Similar acoustic properties – (Whereas in the gravid patient the fetus, amniotic
fluid, and placenta have distinctly different acoustic properties) In the non-pregnant
patient muscle, bowel, uterus and ovaries have similar acoustic properties and
produce echoes of similar amplitude and appearance.
2. In the pelvis, although we are dealing with only a few organs of interest, some
such as the ovaries, tubes, and ureters are small, mobile, and variable in location.
3. Surrounding bowel may contain gas which may obscure visualization.
4. Artifacts:
a. Reverberations
b. Beam width - low level echoes in cystic structures
5. Mimics:
a. Dermoid mimics’ bowel and vice-versa
b. Liquified fibroid mimics ovarian mass
c. Pelvic kidney mimics lymphoma
d. TO mass mimics ectopic
e. Large cyst mimics bladder
INSTRUMENT SETTINGS:
Transabdominal:
Broad Dynamic Range – (reduce only when trying to clarify cystic structures )
Careful attention to focal zone
Limit the field of view to area of interest (except when trying to clarify location
relative to normal anatomy )
Transvaginal:
Instrument Pre-sets to transvaginal
Pelvic Musculature:
Iliacus/Psoas complex -
Piriformis -
Coccygeus -
Obturator Internus -
Levator Ani -
Muscles:
Uniform grey tone with more echogenic striations
Symmetrical size varies upon athletic experience of patient
May appear bulbous, enlarged in athletes
Optimal Fullness:
Extends over fundus of uterus
Anterior curve of uterine wall maintained
Pelvic Spaces:
PelvicBlood Supply:
To Uterus:
Aorta - common iliac artery - uterine artery -arcuate artery - radial artery - straight
artery - spiral artery
To Ovaries:
Ovarian artery leaves aorta above iliac split .
Also fed by branches off the uterine artery medially - anastomosis within broad
ligament .
Infundibulopelvic plexus
Pampiniform Plexus
Uterine Artery:
Courses medially on levator ani muscles -- anterior to lower ureter
Ascends within broad ligament along lateral margins of uterus giving off arcuate
branches that penetrate myometrium
Runs along lateral margin of the uterus in the broad ligament and at the level of the
uterine cornua (in fundus) travels laterally to anastomose with the ovarian artery
Pelvic organs:-
Ureters:
Enter trigone of bladder
Anterior and medial to IIA and IIV
May be imaged proximally at renal pelvis and distally in bladder wall if enlarged .
Vagina:
Length: 6-8 cm. front, 7-10 cm. posterior
Anchored in pelvis at trigone.
Adults: 6-8 cm. length, 3-5.5 cm. width, 2-3 cm. height
Childhood development:
Prepubertal
Adult: L-6-8cm
W-3-5cm
H-2-3cm
Post menopausal:
Cervix:
Internal Os
External Os
Effacement
Normal Length (1/3 to ½ of uterus)
Measure on transvaginal exam - full bladder may cause cervix to appear longer
In Pregnancy:
Lengths less than 3.0 cm may indicate incompetent cervix
In pregnancy 2.8 cm during early gestation
5.2 cm at 34 weeks
Decreases in length with effacement
Uterine Flexion:
Anteflexed
Retroflexed
Fallopian Tubes:
8-14 cm. in length - curled within adnexal regions
Divisions:
Interstitial (also called intramural)
Isthmus
Ampulla
Infundibulum or fimbriated end
Bowel:
Normal is compressible
Rt. lower quadrant common site of intussusception (ileocecal area) and appendicitis
Transvaginal Ultrasound:
Transducer Preparation:
Cleanliness
Sheath, glove, or condom (non-talc)
Latex storage - expiration 5 years, do not expose to sunlight or UV light
Patient Preparation:
Bladder empty except in cases of possible placenta previa
Plan ahead to only have to insert once
Elevate hips to allow transducer movements below hips
Patient education and consent important
Image Orientation:
Transperineal Scanning:
CHAPTER-XV
The biggest advantage of TVS scan is the proximity of the probe with the anatomy to be
visualized. The high frequency of the transducer facilitates better near field resolution.
The tip should be covered with ultrasound coupling gel and introduce into a protective
rubber sheet.
o No Full Bladder
o Same high resolution possible in even obese patients.
o Can be performed immediately. ( no waiting)
o Early detection of Foetal Anomalies.
o Early diagnosis of pregnancy.
o Better Diagnosis of quite a few Pelvic diseases due to high resolution.
o Best Tool for sonography in Infertility & Assisted Reproduction.
Basic scanning directions planes and depths are achieved by moving the probe.
Any combination of the following may be used to obtain the best possible images:
[7] EXAMINATION
Cervix:-
Cervix can be scanned as the probe penetrates 2.5-3cm into the vagina, almost 2-
3cm before the tip of the probe reaches the cervix. It may also be examined after locating
the uterus and then pulling the probe slowly outward.
Cervix should be imaged in horizontal and vertical plane along with cervical canal. The
mucus within the endocervical canal usually appears as an echogenic interface. This may
become hypo echoic during the periovulatory period as the cervical mucus has a higher
fluid content. The uterine vessels can be seen as punctate anechoic structures at the level
of the internal cervical os. Cystic structures adjacent to the cervical canal and external os
are frequently seen. They represent endocervical cysts and Nabothian cysts.
Scanning of the cervix during pregnancy is primarily for ruling out cervical
incompetence and placenta previa.
Uterus:-
In post menopause, the uterus becomes gradually smaller. It has a uniform echogenicity
with an extremely thin endometrial lining.
Scanning of lateral uterine margin on either side may reveal the ingoing, outgoing, and
pulsating vascular packets at the level of the junction between the cervix and the body of
uterus. Blood flow is readily seen in these vessels with the high-frequency transducer.
Blood flow measurements of the uterine artery and vein may be done using this site.
A high proportion of woman who have an intrauterine device have various
symptoms attributed to the device. With transvaginal sonography it is possible to locate the
device and indicate whether it is the uterine cavity, it has moved into the region of the
lower uterus and upper cervix or it is embedded in the myometrium.
Ovaries:-
The ovaries have a distinct appearance because of their relatively lower
echogenic texture as well as the different-sized Graaffian follicles. The follicles appear as
echo-free, translucent, rounded structures from several millimeters to 2cm in diameter.
During the reproductive years, these follicles serve as sonographic”markers” of the
ovaries. If there is any uncertainty as to the origin of a round cystic structure, a longitudinal
plane should be imaged.
After menopause it is hard to find the ovaries because the above-described
“markers” (i.e., the follicles) are present, the ovaries themselves atrophy and there is less
pelvic fluid to provide an acoustic interface. With the recent introduction of color coded
Doppler flow imaging, by finding the color coded flow of the ovarian artery or vein one can
better detect the otherwise sonographically “non-detectable” ovaries.
Fallopian tubes:-
The normal fallopian tube is difficult to image because of its small size and
serpiginous course. If found, they are usually lateral to the uterus behind the ovaries or in
the cul-de-sac. They appear as 1cm wide echogenic tortuous structures. Sonographic
delineation of the tube is facilitated by intraperitoneal fluid present in the cul-de-sac.
Cul-de-sac:-
The cul-de-sac or pouches of Douglas may be found by directing the probe
posteriorly. In many cases a small amount of fluid may be present in this space under
normal conditions. Free fluid outlines the posterior wall of the uterus and sometimes even
the ovaries. As mentioned before, it is disadvantageous to place the patients in the
Pregnancy:-
One of the most valuable applications of transvaginal sonography is the early
identification of a normal or abnormal pregnancy. On the average this technique can
detect embryonic or fetal structures one to two weeks earlier than transabdominal
sonography. Warren et al 7 documented the early stages of embryonic development
starting at 4wk of gestation.
The diagnosis of vary early abnormal pregnancy is at times difficult. Keeping in
mind the temporal appearance of embryonic and extra embryonic structures, one could
evaluate the presence or absence of an abnormal pregnancy if the correct dating of
pregnancy itself is known. When any doubt concerning the dating exists, serial ultrasound
scans are appropriate for clinical follow-up.
CHAPTER-XVI
SONOHYSTEROGRAPHY
Saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) is the term for ultrasound imaging of the uterine
cavity, using sterile saline solution as a negative contrast medium.
INDICATIONS
1. Abnormal uterine bleeding
2. Infertility & Reproductive failure
SAFETY
o Symptoms such as discomfort, minor cramping, and mild menstrual-like pain may
be associated with instillation of saline into the uterine cavity.
o Endometritis - 2.5% cases
HOW IT WORKS
With instillation of fluid into the endometrial canal, sonohysterography allows differentiation
between focal and diffuse endometrial or sub endometrial pathologic conditions, which
often lead to a specific diagnosis.
Various catheter types may be used, including pediatric feeding tubes, intrauterine
insemination catheters, and the Goldstein sonohysterography catheter.
A 5-F catheter with a 2-mL balloon may be helpful in patients with
a patulous cervix. However, this device may be uncomfortable
for the patient and may obscure visualization of the lower uterine
4 - Advancement of the catheter is aided by grasping the tip with a ring forceps and
carefully threading it approximately 5–10 cm into the endometrial canal to position the tip
beyond the endocervical canal. The speculum is then carefully removed while the catheter
is left in place.
5 - The covered transvaginal probe is inserted into the vagina, and continuous scanning in
the sagittal and coronal or transverse planes is performed during instillation of sterile
saline solution. Various amounts (5–20 ml or more) of saline solution may be used
depending on how much is retained within the canal; only 2–5 ml are actually needed to
distend the cavity adequately.
ADVANTAGES OF SIS
SIS clearly delineates the inner landscape of the endometrial cavity and so fewer
women need be subjected to biopsy, hysteroscopy or even hysterectomy.
A)
B)
C)
D)
A) B)
Endometrial carcinoma in a 58-year-old woman with substantial postmenopausal bleeding.
(A) Sagittal transvaginal US scan shows the endometrium with a thickness of 44 mm and
a large area of mixed echogenicity suggestive of a mass.
(B) Transverse sonohysterogram shows a 50mm diameter polypoid mass protruding
into the endometrial cavity (calipers indicate the stalk of the mass). Histopathologic
findings indicated poorly differentiated endometrial carcinoma.
The normal fallopian tube is not usually seen by transvaginal sonography unless
some fluid surrounds it. If enough pelvic fluid is present, the fallopian tube and even the fimbrial
end may be detected. It is possible to enhance detection of tube by selecting a mid cycle period for
the scan because of the existence of increased pelvic fluid at that time.
Transvaginal sonography is used to evaluate tubal patency by means of a 5.0 MHz
vaginal transducer.” The Sion Test” or sonosalpingography is done to confirm the tubal patency by
visualizing turbulence near the fimbrial end when a mixture of air and saline is injected through a
Foley catheter placed with in the uterus.
After an informed consent the patient is given Inj. Atropine sulphate (Professor
Gajjar’s Standard chemical Works Ltd., Bombay, India) 0.6mg intramuscularly 10-15 minutes
CHAPTER-XVII
Femur Length: This represents growth of the leg and skeletal system.
Head/Body Ratio: This compares growth of the head and abdomen. Abnormal growth results in this ratio
being elevated, suggesting Asymmetrical IUGR.
Fetal Weight: This is an estimate of fetal weight derived from the above measurements of the head,
abdomen, and femur.
CHAPTER-XVIII
GROWTH CHART
GS MEASUREMENT TABLE
GA 5 50 95
12 5 8 11
13 8 11 14
14 11 14 17
GA 5 50 95
12 4 7 10
13 7 10 13
14 9 12 15
15 12 15 18
16 14 18 22
GA 5 50 95
12 4 7 10
13 7 10 13
14 9 13 17
15 12 16 20
GA 5 50 95
12 4 7 10
13 7 10 13
14 9 13 17
15 12 16 20
STANDARD STANDARD
GA DEVIATION PERCENTILES DEVIATION
(-4) (-2) 5 10 25 50 75 90 95 (+2) (+4)
12 30 46 49 52 57 62 67 72 75 78 94
13 40 57 60 62 67 73 79 84 86 89 106
STANDARD STANDARD
GA DEVIATION PERCENTILES DEVIATION
-4 -2 5 10 25 50 75 90 95 +2 +4
12 12 17 18 19 21 23 25 26 27 28 33
GA 5 50 95
14 14 16 18
15 14 16 18
16 14 16 18
GA 5 50 95
12 6 9 12
13 9 12 15
14 11 15 19
CHAPTER-XIX
GLOSSARY
REFERENCES & SUGGESTED READINGS
2) TRANSVAGINAL SONOGRAPHY
(SECOND EDITION):- ILAN E. TIMOR – TRITSCH et al