Ultrasonography: The main diagnostic tool in subfertile women

Abstract

The diagnostic assisted reproductive technology (ART) workup includes ultrasonography, hysteroscopy, hysterosalpingography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and laparoscopy where appropriate. Ultrasound represents the mainly used imaging modality for assessing the female genital tract. Recent developments, i.e. the introduction in the daily praxis of hydrosonography, elastography and the use of contrast media, enhanced by the application of three-dimensional (3D) and fourdimensional (4D) software produce images of high resolution. All these offer the possibility of multiplanar approach and create fast techniques that result in specific and detailed reports. The comparably short period of training for the medical doctors could transform the ultrasonography in the leading diagnostic tool even in nonexperienced hands. It is noteworthy, that in suspicion of malignancy, patients should be referred to more experienced teams.