Cost-effectiveness of transvaginal sonography and saline infused sonography in the evaluation of menorrhagia

Differences between proximal and distal endometrial monolayer thickness in women aged over 50 years undergoing saline infusion sonohysterography

BACKGROUND

Saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) is a procedure performed to evaluate the endometrium in women with postmenopausal bleeding.

PURPOSE

To investigate differences in endometrial monolayer measurements in women aged >50 years undergoing SIS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study of women aged >50 undergoing SIS. Endometrial echo (EE) was measured according to the International Endometrial Tumor Analysis (IETA) guidelines. Monolayer thickness was compared between anterior and posterior uterine walls and between the monolayer that was proximal or distal to the ultrasound probe. Presence and location of focal thickening and polyps on each of the monolayers were assessed.

RESULTS

SIS was performed in 608 patients. Of them, 485 (79.8%) had anteverted, 85 (14%) retroverted, and 38 (6.2%) a midposition uterus. The mean posterior monolayer was thicker than the anterior monolayer (2.14 mm vs. 1.88 mm; P = 0.002). The distal monolayer was thicker than the proximal layer in both anteverted and retroverted uteri (2.18 mm vs. 1.84 mm; P < 0.0001). In 16% of women, the difference between distal and proximal monolayers was ≥1 mm. Focal thickening was seen 3.3 times more frequently in the distal endometrium. Among women with a double layer EE >4 mm, 18.8% had a proximal layer of <2 mm while only 4.6% had a distal EE <2 mm.

CONCLUSION

Distal endometrium measures thicker than the proximal endometrium in most SIS cases and in one out of six women, the difference is >1 mm. The distal layer is three times more likely to contain focal thickening. Sonologists should be conscious of possible enhancement artifact when measuring the EE during SIS.

Accuracy of saline contrast sonohysterography in detection of endometrial polyps and submucosal leiomyomas in women of reproductive age with abnormal uterine bleeding: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the diagnostic accuracy of two- (2D) and three- (3D) dimensional saline contrast sonohysterography (SCSH) in the detection of endometrial polyps and submucosal uterine leiomyomas in women of reproductive age with abnormal uterine bleeding compared with gold standard hysteroscopy.

METHODS

A systematic review of diagnostic studies that compared 2D- and/or 3D-SCSH with hysteroscopy and anatomopathology was conducted according to PRISMA and SEDATE recommendations. The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library were searched electronically using specific terms with no restriction on language or publication year. Quality assessment of included studies was performed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Meta-analysis was performed with the Meta-DiSk program and data presented as forest plots and summary receiver-operating characteristics (SROC) curves. Pooled sensitivity, specificity and positive (LR+) and negative (LR-) likelihood ratios of SCSH in the detection of uterine cavity abnormalities were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 1398 citations were identified and five studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of 2D-SCSH in detecting endometrial polyps were 93% (95% CI, 89-96%) and 81% (95% CI, 76-86%), respectively, with pooled LR+ of 5.41 (95% CI, 2.60-11.28) and LR- of 0.10 (95% CI, 0.06-0.17). In the detection of submucosal uterine leiomyomas, pooled sensitivity and specificity were 94% (95% CI, 89-97%) and 81% (95% CI, 76-86%), respectively, with pooled LR+ of 4.25 (95% CI, 2.20-8.21) and LR- of 0.11 (95% CI, 0.05-0.22). 2D-SCSH had good accuracy in detecting endometrial polyps and submucosal uterine leiomyomas, with areas under the SROC curves of 0.97 ± 0.02 and 0.97 ± 0.03, respectively. Studies that analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of 3D-SCSH could not be compared due to high heterogeneity related to menopausal status, type of technique used and primary outcome being investigation of infertility.

CONCLUSIONS

2D-SCSH proved to be a highly sensitive method for detection of endometrial polyps and submucosal uterine leiomyomas, making it a potential first-line diagnostic method in the work-up for women with abnormal uterine bleeding. More studies are needed on 3D-SCSH in women of reproductive age. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Three-dimensional saline infusion sonography compared to two-dimensional saline infusion sonography for the diagnosis of focal intracavitary lesions

BACKGROUND

Focal abnormalities most commonly acquired within the uterine cavity include endometrial polyps (arising from the endometrium) and submucous fibroids (arising from the myometrium). These benign abnormalities can cause several problems, including abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and subfertility. Two-dimensional saline infusion sonography (2D SIS) is a minimally invasive test that can be used to diagnose these pathologies, but it is less accurate than hysteroscopy, which is a more invasive procedure by which an endoscope allows direct visualisation of the uterine cavity. Three-dimensional (3D) SIS appears to enhance sonographic visualisation within the uterine cavity, thereby offering a potentially more accurate minimally invasive diagnostic test.

OBJECTIVES

Primary objectives • To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 3D SIS (index test 1) compared with 2D SIS for the diagnosis of focally growing lesions (presence or not) in women with AUB or subfertility, with hysteroscopy performed as the reference test. • To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 2D+3D SIS (index test 2) compared with 2D SIS for the diagnosis of focally growing lesions (presence or not) in women with AUB or subfertility, with hysteroscopy performed as the reference test. In this case, any abnormality on either modality was regarded as a positive result ('OR' approach). Secondary objectives • To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 3D SIS (index test 1) compared with 2D SIS according to type of abnormality and discrimination between uterine polyps and submucous fibroids in women with AUB or subfertility, with hysteroscopy and histology used as the reference.• To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 2D+3D SIS (index test 2) compared with 2D SIS according to type of abnormality and discrimination between uterine polyps and submucous fibroids in women with AUB or subfertility, with hysteroscopy and histology used as the reference.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases: Cochrane Central Register of Studies Online (CENTRAL CRSO), MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group (CGF) Specialised Register and CGFG Diagnostic Test Accuracy (DTA) Specialised Register, clinicaltrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). Screening reference lists of appropriate studies was also performed. We screened for eligibility all studies identified from inception until March 2016. We performed searches with no date or language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The population of interest consisted of premenopausal women with AUB or subfertility and postmenopausal women with AUB. Diagnostic test accuracy studies, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies were eligible for inclusion if they evaluated the accuracy of both 2D SIS and 3D SIS for the diagnosis of acquired intracavitary abnormalities with hysteroscopy used as the reference standard. In light of the lack of data for 3D SIS, we also included studies that evaluated the accuracy of 3D SIS alone.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors read all potentially eligible references after performing a first screening by title and abstract (LLN and FJRH). They independently extracted data to construct 2×2 tables from eligible studies and assessed studies for methodological quality using the QUADAS-2 tool (revised tool for quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies). To describe and visually present results, we produced in RevMan forest plots showing pairs of sensitivity and specificity together with 95% confidence intervals from each study, as well as raw receiver operating characteristic (ROC) plots. We displayed paired analyses in an ROC plot by linking sensitivity-specificity pairs from each study by using a dashed line. To compare 3D SIS versus 2D SIS, we restricted analyses to studies that provided 2×2 tables for both tests and used the bivariate meta-analysis of sensitivity and specificity.

MAIN RESULTS

Thirteen studies (1053 women) reported the accuracy of 3D SIS for focal uterine abnormalities; 11 of these (846 women) were suitable for meta-analysis, and eight reported accuracy according to the type of focal abnormality. The design of the included studies seems applicable. The main problem involving the quality of included studies is insufficient reporting of study methods, resulting in unclear risk of bias for several of the quality domains assessed. Therefore, we considered the overall quality of the evidence as low. The summary estimate (11 studies reporting absence or presence of abnormality at 3D SIS) for sensitivity was 94.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 90.6% to 96.9%) and for specificity 99.4% (95% CI 96.2% to 99.9%). Meta-analysis of the eight studies (N = 716) directly comparing 2D SIS versus 3D SIS showed summary sensitivity of 96.9% (95% CI 91.9% to 98.8%) and summary specificity of 99.5% (95% CI 96.1% to 100%) for 3D SIS. For 2D SIS, summary sensitivity was 90.9% (95% CI 81.2% to 95.8%) and summary specificity was 96.3% (95% CI 86.1% to 99.1%). The difference in accuracy between 2D SIS and 3D SIS was non-significant (P values of 0.07 for sensitivity and 0.10 for specificity).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Low-quality evidence suggests that 3D SIS may be very accurate in detecting intracavitary abnormalities. Meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between 2D SIS and 3D SIS. Summary sensitivity and summary specificity are higher for 3D SIS, but margins of improvement are limited because 2D SIS is already very accurate. When the technology and appropriate expertise are available, 3D SIS offers an alternative to 2D SIS. Both 2D SIS and 3D SIS should be considered alternatives to diagnostic hysteroscopy when intracavitary pathology is suspected in subfertile women and in those with abnormal uterine bleeding.

Management of endometrial modifications in perimenopausal women

Perimenopause has a variable length and time of onset and is characterized by its variability in hormonal levels. The histological changes in the perimenopausal endometrium may be represented by nonproliferative or proliferative benign or malignant lesions. A commonly encountered manifestation of endometrium lesions during menopausal transition is the abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). The clinical management of AUB must follow a standardized classification system for optimal results. The medical and surgical treatment must be adapted according to age, risk factors, symptoms, and cycle irregularities. Use of alternative therapies and proper diet may result in improved long-term outcomes.

Evaluation of endometrium in peri-menopausal abnormal uterine bleeding

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) is one of the most common health problems encountered by women. It affects about 20% women of reproductive age, and accounts for almost two thirds of all hysterectomies. Gynaecologists are often unable to identify the cause of abnormal bleeding even after a thorough history and physical examination. Diagnostic evaluations and treatment modalities have been evolving over time. The onus in AUB management is to exclude complex endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer. From D and C + EUA under general anesthesia the shift to more accurate procedures like hysteroscopy and vision directed biopsy was welcome. But the current minimally invasive procedures like sonohysterography, office vacuum aspiration (Pipelle) and the use of office hysteroscopy have revolutionized the management of AUB. We have tried to review the current literature and guidelines for evaluation of endometrium with the twin goals of finding an accurate reason causing the AUB and to rule out endometrial cancer or a potential for the cancer in future. We have also attempted to compare the current procedures and their present perspective vis-à-vis each other. Histological assessment is the final word, but obtaining a sample for histology makes it more accurate, and we have reviewed these techniques to enhance accuracy in diagnosis. Hysteroscopy and directed biopsy is the 'gold standard' approach for most accurate evaluation of endometrium to rule out focal endometrial Ca. Blind endometrial biopsies should no longer be performed as the sole diagnostic strategy in perimenopausal as well as in postmenopausal women with AUB. A single-stop approach, especially in high risk women (Obesity, diabetes, family history of endometrial, ovarian or breast cancer) as well as in women with endometrial hyperplasia of combining the office hysteroscopy, directed biopsy in presence of a focal lesion, and vacuum sampling of endometrium in normal looking endometrium, all without anesthesia is the most minimally invasive and yet accurate approach in current practice.

Reducing Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Safety and Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid

Menorrhagia or Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB) remains a public health challenge among women in the reproductive age group. Anti-fibrinolytics such as tranexamic acid and epsilon aminocaproic acid, play an important role in the medical management of HMB, as HMB is associated with an increase in local fibrinolysis. Lysteda is a novel oral formulation of tranexamic acid which has recently been approved by the US FDA for treatment of HMB. Efficacy of tranexamic acid in the general gynecologic population as well as in women with bleeding disorders is discussed in this review. Safety and adverse effect profile is also addressed for both these populations.

Comparison of 3-dimensional with 2-dimensional saline infusion sonohysterograms for the evaluation of intrauterine abnormalities

OBJECTIVE

To compare 3-dimensional saline infusion sonohysterography (3DSIS) with 2-dimensional sonohysterography (2DSIS) using hysteroscopy and histologic diagnosis as the gold standard.

METHOD

A retrospective analysis of all SIS examination performed between July 1, 2005 and April 30, 2007 in our gynecological sonographic unit. 2DSIS or 3DSIS sonographic techniques were used randomly. Management decisions and operative procedures were done by the referring provider. Patients that had diagnostic hysteroscopy and complete histologic evaluation were included. Concordance between the various assessment methods as well as sensitivity and specificity were compared between 2DSIS and 3DSIS. Student's t test and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULT

Of 804 patients that had SIS, 125 patients met the inclusion criteria. Patient median age was 48 (range 19-82). Also, 77 patients were premenopausal, and 48 patients were postmenopausal. Furthermore, 43 patients had 2DSIS and 82 patients had 3DSIS. 3DSIS was found to correlate with hysteroscopic findings more often than 2DSIS (p < 0.05). A trend for higher specificity of 3DSIS with the different uterine pathologies was seen, but it did not reach statistical significance. No difference in sensitivity of 3DSIS compared with 2DSIS was found for all pathologic diagnoses.

CONCLUSION

3DSIS correlated better with hysteroscopy than 2DSIS. Specificity for histologic diagnosis appears to be higher with 3DSIS compared with 2DSIS but larger-scale studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Future research into abnormal uterine bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding in terms of menstrual disorders and postmenopausal bleeding are common clinical problems in both primary and secondary care. Advances in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies have offered opportunities to improve the outcomes of women suffering with these complaints. Future research should concentrate on a robust approach to the assessment of these health technologies, including the use of outcome assessments of importance to patients such as effects on health-related quality of life and taking account of patient preferences. In addition, economic evaluations need to be conducted alongside clinical research to facilitate a rational basis on which to allocate resources and upon which to base clinical decisions. Specific areas highlighted for research in this review include the role of diagnostic technologies incorporating the clinical context within which diagnostic work-up takes place. The clinical application of progesterone antagonists and selective progesterone receptor modulators is a developing area with potential for the treatment of menorrhagia. The place of minimally invasive therapies for the treatment of menstrual dysfunction and fibroid-associated menorrhagia needs more examination, as does the place of outpatient 'ambulatory' settings to provide convenient, effective 'see and treat' targeted services in both primary and secondary care.

Sonohysterographic endometrial sampling and hysteroscopic endometrial biopsy: a comparative study

OBJECTIVES

To compare the quantity and quality of endometrial tissue sampled at saline contrast sonohysterography (SCSH) with that obtained by directed endometrial biopsy by operative hysteroscopy in patients with diffusely thickened and/or inhomogeneous endometrium at SCSH. A secondary aim was a comparison of the extent of procedure-related pain.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-eight patients with diffusely thickened (> 4 mm) and/or inhomogeneous endometrium at SCSH were prospectively recruited. Endometrial sampling was performed at the end of SCSH using the same 4.7-mm intrauterine catheter that had been used for saline instillation. These samples were compared to directed endometrial biopsies obtained with the guidance of an office 5-mm hysteroscope. After hysteroscopy, an extended guided curettage was performed under general anesthesia, providing specimens that were considered the gold standard for histological diagnosis. Endometrial specimen area (mm(2)), histologic concordance and procedure related pain (10-cm VAS) were compared for the two techniques.

RESULTS

The median age of 88 pre- and of 40 post-menopausal patients was 41 (interquartile range, 34-48) years and 57 (interquartile range, 52-67) years, respectively. The median area of endometrial specimen obtained by SCSH was 25.1 (interquartile range, 12.4-52.3) mm(2) and was not significantly different from that obtained by hysteroscopy (16.9 (interquartile range, 10.0-52.7) mm(2)). The K values of the two different techniques for typical hyperplasia (n = 61) and for premalignant and malignant lesions (n = 26) were 0.91 and 0.94, respectively. Procedure-related pain was not significantly different between pre- and postmenopausal patients for both sampling techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

SCSH with sampling proved to be as good as and as tolerable as hysteroscopic biopsy in cases with diffusely thickened and/or inhomogeneous endometrium. Both these imaging and biopsy techniques should be considered a reliable outpatient procedure in the management of patients with abnormal uterine bleeding. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Diagnostic hysteroscopy and saline infusion sonography: prediction of intrauterine polyps and myomas

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare the positive predictive value (PPV) of diagnostic hysteroscopy (DH) and saline infusion sonography (SIS) for the detection of myomas and polyps in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding.

DESIGN

All consecutive women referred to our University Hospital diagnosed with an intrauterine polyp or myoma by office DH or SIS were included in the study. Patients referred to our clinic from 1993 through 2000 underwent DH. From 2001 through 2004 SIS was performed. After hysteroscopic removal in an inpatient setting, histopathologic results were used as a gold standard to calculate PPV of SIS and DH. (Canadian Task Force classification II-3)

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

INTERVENTION

Diagnostic hysteroscopy and saline infusion sonography.

PATIENTS

Women in whom an intrauterine polyp or myoma was diagnosed either by DH or SIS MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The PPVs of SIS and DH in the evaluation of intrauterine polyps and fibroids did not significantly differ. However, p = 0.3 is the significant difference for the PPV of SIS in premenopausal women comparing the PPV of SIS for fibroids (0.95) with the PPV of SIS for polyps (0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic hysteroscopy and saline infusion sonography are equivalent diagnostic tools for the detection of intrauterine myomas and polyps.

Hysteroscopy and Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer

The main aim of investigating women with abnormal uterine bleeding is to exclude serious intrauterine pathology, particularly endometrial cancer. Endometrial assessment has traditionally been achieved by obtaining tissue for histological analysis utilising blind in-patient dilatation of the cervix and curettage of the endometrium under general anaesthesia. This procedure is now generally accepted as outmoded practice associated with unnecessary morbidity and cost and has been largely replaced by minimally invasive out-patient or 'ambulatory' diagnostic modalities. These modalities include transvaginal ultrasonography, out-patient hysteroscopy and miniature endometrial biopsy. The most controversial debate has centred on how best to image the uterine cavity with advocates of hysteroscopy and ultrasonography holding apparently implacable views. However, the concept of hysteroscopy and ultrasonography as competing tests may be misplaced, and perhaps they should be viewed as complementary diagnostic tools. To help us answer such questions requires an appraisal of the available evidence. In this way, a more rational approach to investigating women for endometrial cancer is possible based on the clinical and economic performance of hysteroscopy and ultrasonography. This review assesses the evidence and suggests approaches available to gynaecologists for the diagnostic work-up of women suspected to have endometrial cancer utilising hysteroscopy and ultrasonography.

The clinical value of 3-dimensional saline infusion sonography in addition to 2-dimensional saline infusion sonography in women with abnormal uterine bleeding: work in progress

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical relevance of 3-dimensional saline infusion sonography (3D-SIS) in addition to conventional SIS in women with abnormal uterine bleeding suspected of having intrauterine abnormalities.

METHODS

All women suspected of having intrauterine abnormalities were eligible. Before 3D-SIS, conventional SIS was performed. The results of these techniques were compared with the "combined method reference standard" (hysteroscopy, endometrial sampling, and clinical follow-up in cases with normal SIS findings). Diagnostic characteristics (with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of 3D-SIS and SIS were calculated as well as their respective accuracy in evaluating the histologic nature, the intrauterine extension, and the location of intrauterine abnormalities. Moreover, the reliability (kappa value) and clinical relevance of 3D-SIS were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 49 women were included, and 4 women were excluded. The positive predictive values of 3D-SIS and SIS were, respectively, 1.00 and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.72-0.99; P = .15), and the diagnostic accuracy values were 0.98 (95% CI, 0.94-1.0) and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.83-0.99; P = .08). Saline infusion sonography and 3D-SIS were equally accurate in evaluating the histologic nature, intrauterine extent, and location of intrauterine abnormalities (respective kappa values: 0.85 versus 0.93; P = .88; 0.83 versus 0.83; and 0.77 versus 0.80; P = .81). The reliability of 3D-SIS was good: intraobserver and interobserver agreement (kappa) were 0.78 and 0.72. Three women (6.7%) had the benefit of additional 3D-SIS: in these women, SIS wrongly led to a diagnosis of intrauterine abnormalities (P = .08).

CONCLUSIONS

Three-dimensional saline infusion sonography is valid and reliable in women suspected of having intrauterine abnormalities and may indeed have relevant clinical value in addition to conventional SIS.

Outpatient hysteroscopy and ultrasonography in the management of endometrial disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review is to inform the ongoing debate about the choice between ultrasound and hysteroscopy in the management of endometrial disease presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding using information provided from recently published literature.

RECENT FINDINGS

Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of endometrial thickness, using 4 or 5 mm cut-offs to define abnormality, is a good test for excluding endometrial cancer in women with postmenopausal bleeding. In contrast, hysteroscopy is a good test for detecting endometrial cancer, but less effective at excluding serious disease. The accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound in diagnosing intracavity pathology such as submucous fibroids and polyps is improved with saline instillation to levels of accuracy comparable to that of outpatient hysteroscopy. Miniaturization of hysteroscopes and ancillary instrumentation (e.g. development of bipolar intrauterine systems) has facilitated 'see and treat' outpatient hysteroscopy, so that it should no longer be considered simply an outpatient diagnostic modality. Preliminary cost-effectiveness studies have supported the use of ultrasound in the diagnosis of endometrial disease, but further, more comprehensive studies are required comparing ultrasound and outpatient hysteroscopy.

SUMMARY

Recently published research has provided the clinician with high-quality data regarding the accuracy of ultrasound and hysteroscopy in the diagnosis of endometrial disease. Despite this, controversy remains regarding the relative roles of these uterine imaging modalities. Future research needs to be directed towards providing effectiveness and cost-effectiveness data in order to resolve the ongoing debate and guide best clinical practice.