[Transvaginal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding in women of reproductive age. Comparison with transvesical ultrasonography].

We undertook this study to compare the diagnostic value of endovaginal sonography and transvesical sonography in the diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding in reproductive age women in Yaoundé (Cameroon). 130 consecutive patients were included in this prospective study. Inclusion criteria were the presence of a missed period and abnormal uterine bleeding, absence of local or vaginal lesion on speculum examination, and the performance of transvaginal and transabdominal sonography within 12 hours. The results of each technique were compared for image quality and diagnostic information. The diagnoses included ovarian cyst (33), abnormal intra-utérine pregnancy (22), ectopic gestation (14), endometrial abnormality (14), fibroids (11), normal intra-uterine pregnancy (4), appendicitis (1), no abnormality (12). Transvaginal sonogram was of better image quality in 108 patients (83.1%). It provided more diagnostic information in 99 patients (76.1%). For 38 patients (29.2%), it provided pertinent information which altered the diagnosis made after transvesical sonography. Our results suggest that endovaginal sonography should be considered the first sonographic technique to use for reproductive age patients with abnormal uterine bleeding in Yaoundé (Cameroon).