TRANSVAGINAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN PERSISTENT TROPHOBLASTIC TUMOR

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the reliability of transvaginal ultrasonography in the detection of uterine involvement in cases of gestational trophoblastic tumor, to establish a possible role of this procedure in the management of such neoplasia. STUDY DESIGN: Transvaginal ultrasonography was performed in six women with gestational trophoblastic tumor at initial diagnosis, during the cytotoxic course when negative beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels were obtained, and within 3 to 6 months after the end of chemotherapy. RESULTS: In all cases in which metastatic disease was absent intrauterine localization was easily detected by transvaginal ultrasonography; it appeared as endometrial hypoechoic areas and intramyometrial nodules. Favorable response to chemotherapy was determined by a negative serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin determination accompanied by the finding of regression of nodules at transvaginal ultrasonography. CONCLUSION: Our data support the introduction of transvaginal ultrasonography in the management of gestational trophoblastic tumor.