Ultrasonics in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

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Abstract
Sonar is easy to apply as a diagnostic method in obstetrics and gynaecology by direct contact scanning through a film of olive oil applied to the abdominal wall. Using the full bladder technique one can map out the uterus and its contents in very early pregnancy revealing the growing gestation sac from before the sixth week of pregnancy onwards. The level of nidation of the ovum and its relationship to subsequent miscarriage can be studied and the diagnosis of “blighted ovum” is facilitated at an early stage. The diagnosis of hydatidiform mole and the estimation of retained products of conception following abortion are now commonplace. Twins can be diagnosed very early in pregnancy by the demonstration of two gestation sacs. Later on the finding of two heads on two-dimensional scanning makes the diagnosis even more certain. The growth of the foetus can be studied by plotting the enlargement of the biparietal diameter, and localisation of the placenta has become a routine and reliable procedure. Using the Doppler echo effect the foetal heart can be picked up from the 13th week of pregnancy onwards. Approximately 30 per cent of all in-patients in the Queen Mother's Hospital are now investigated by sonar at some stage or other in pregnancy. In gynaecology our experience continues and we have not had to alter our diagnostic criteria as applied to ovarian and uterine tumours, the different varieties of ascites, splenomegaly and hepatic infiltration with metastases. A plea is made for sonar being accepted as an ancillary diagnostic technique by the radiological world already accustomed to visual diagnostic techniques.

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