The accuracy of transvaginal sonography in detecting retained products of conception after first-trimester sponstaneous abortion

The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal sonography (NS) in selecting women who presented in our department with clinical symptoms of spontaneous abortion and were thought to require a uterine evacuation. Forty-six patients were divided in two groups: group A included 24 patients who had a negative TVS examination for retained products of conception, with a homogeneous, well-defined endometrial stripe between the endometrium and myometrium. Group B consisted of 22 patients with a positive NS examination for retained products of conception, with a heteroechogenic endometrial stripe and abnormal surface between the endometrium and myometrium. All women gave informed consent for dilatation and curettage (D&C) followed by histopathological examination. NS had a sensitivity of 95%, a specificity of 88% and a positive predictive value of 86%. TVS can be a useful technique in cases of spontaneous abortion, in deciding which patients need to undergo surgery or expectant management.