The endometrium on routine contrast-enhanced CT in asymptomatic postmenopausal women: avoiding errors in interpretation

Clin Imaging. 2002 Sep-Oct;26(5):325-9. doi: 10.1016/s0899-7071(02)00443-6.

Abstract

We studied 54 asymptomatic postmenopausal women to characterize normal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) appearance of endometrium. Endometrium was visualized in 26 out of 54 (48.1%) women, and when seen its mean short-axis thickness was 7.5 mm. The anteroposterior thickness varied directly with uterine angulation (P<.05). Endometrial attenuation was significantly less than that of the myometrium (P<.05). Endometrial thickness (short axis) and attenuation were inversely correlated to patient age and to years after menopause (P<.05). We believe that our findings will help prevent overdiagnosis of endometrial fluid or thickening in asymptomatic women.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Contrast Media
  • Endometrium / anatomy & histology
  • Endometrium / diagnostic imaging*
  • Endometrium / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Postmenopause
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Uterine Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Uterine Diseases / pathology

Substances

  • Contrast Media