The ultrasonic appearances of clinically suspected uterine fibroids in a Nigerian population

Abstract

Background: Uterine fibroids are the commonest solid benign tumor in women of reproductive age. Pelvic ultrasonography is a very popular imaging modality used in its diagnosis. Objectives: This study was carried out to determine the various appearances of fibroids on ultrasonography, and to compare these findings with those obtained in the Western world. Methods: 120 consecutive patients in whom an ultrasound diagnosis of fibroids was made were analyzed. All patients were scanned via the transabdominal route. Their locations, sizes, and echotexture were noted. Results: Diffuse lesions were seen in 17. 5% patients, while 82. 5 % had focal masses. 33. 3 % and 30% patients had hypoechoic and echogenic masses respectively. There was also a high percentage of degenerative changes viz: fibrosis, necrosis (20. 8 %) and calcifications (9. 2%). Conclusion: The sonographic pattern of fibroids did not differ greatly from that previously reported although a higher percentage was echogenic, suggesting more fibrous tissue content

Keywords

• uterine
• fibroids
• ultrasonography
• tumor