Evaluation of the Uterine Cavity in Perimenopausal Women.

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in perimenopausal women is a common yet poorly defined condition requiring accurate diagnosis. Hysteroscopy is the gold standard for evaluating intrauterine abnormalities, but 3D ultrasonography (3D US) has emerged as a non-invasive alternative.

Change in menstrual blood volume is a common manifestation of perimenopause, often indicative of underlying gynecological conditions. The etiology of perimenopausal bleeding is multifactorial and may include hormonal imbalances, endometrial polyps, malignancies, adenomyosis, vascular malformations, and systemic medical conditions. The evaluation of uterine pathology can be achieved through both invasive and non-invasive diagnostic modalities. Ideally, non-invasive techniques are preferred due to their safety, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use. Ultrasonography is considered a reliable, non-invasive imaging tool for assessing uterine abnormalities and is often employed as a preliminary diagnostic step before invasive procedures such as hysteroscopy. Among invasive techniques, hysteroscopy remains the gold standard for direct visualization of the uterine cavity. This method enables precise assessment of intrauterine pathology, facilitating accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Compared to other imaging modalities, such as hysterosalpingography, hysteroscopy provides superior diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic potential. Non-invasive diagnostic approaches, including transabdominal ultrasound (TAS) and two-dimensional transvaginal sonography (2D-TVS), are widely utilized in evaluating abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). These modalities help detect uterine lesions such as fibroids, polyps, and focal abnormalities while also assessing adnexal pathology. Three-dimensional ultrasonography (3D-US) further enhances diagnostic capabilities by allowing multiplanar reconstruction from volumetric data, improving visualization of the endometrial cavity and providing a more detailed assessment of uterine morphology. Three-dimensional transvaginal sonography (3D-TVS) is a cost-effective, non-invasive, and highly efficient method for indirectly visualizing the endometrial cavity. Given its accessibility and diagnostic accuracy, it is recommended as a first-line imaging modality for evaluating uterine lesions in reproductive-aged women presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding. Despite advancements in diagnostic imaging, there remains a gap in knowledge regarding the optimal use of 3D transvaginal ultrasonography (3D-TVS) as a standalone tool for diagnosing intrauterine pathology. While hysteroscopy is the gold standard, further research is needed to refine the sensitivity and specificity of 3D-TVS in differentiating benign from malignant lesions, reducing the need for unnecessary invasive procedures.