conventional versus 3d ultrasound for the investigation of infertile women

Background: with the technical development, ultrasound tends to overpass its limitsand to become the main investigation tool even for situations when it was traditionallyconsidered “second best”. it is more convenient both for patient and doctor, lessexpensive and has real diagnostic value.objective: the present paper, and its graphic back-up, are intended as a visualtestimony of the fact that the newer three dimensional (3d) ultrasound technique ismuch more than a simple generator of “nice”, commercial, images. moreover, its usemay be extended from obstetrics to gynecological pathology, especially in cases relatedto infertility.materials and methods: we performed a review of the main local infertility causesand their perception by the 3d ultrasound, as compared to the conventional methods.general literature citations were completed with personal cases and images. in ourresearch, we used a kretz – voluson expert 730 ultrasound machine with a full logisticequipment. our database was completed over a period of 18 months and includedvarious pathology, such as uterine anomalies, fibroids, polyps, ovarian cysts and manyothers.results: three dimensional ultrasound represents the best tool in evaluating the uterinecavity, the endometrium, assessing its volume and vascularity pattern. it also offers avery good image of the uterine structure, the adnexal morphology and their relationship.it performs a thorough pelvic assessment by a single examination. moreover, it mayrealize a histerosalpingography, which is as efficient as the radiological method, buteasier and with fewer side effects.conclusion: even though it is technically more difficult and time consuming, a goodpractice and high quality ultrasound equipment offer a series of benefits over any otherkind of investigation.