Use of intracavity saline instillation and transvaginal ultrasonography to detect tamoxifen-associated endometrial polyps

T H Bourne; F Lawton; A Leather; S Granberg; S Campbell; W P Collins

doi:10.1046/j.1469-0705.1994.04010073.x

Use of intracavity saline instillation and transvaginal ultrasonography to detect tamoxifen-associated endometrial polyps

Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 1994 Jan 1;4(1):73-5. doi: 10.1046/j.1469-0705.1994.04010073.x.

Authors

T H Bourne¹, F Lawton, A Leather, S Granberg, S Campbell, W P Collins

Affiliation

¹ Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King's College School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK.

PMID: 12797230
DOI: 10.1046/j.1469-0705.1994.04010073.x

Abstract

There is sometimes a discrepancy between the apparent thickness of postmenopausal endometria, as determined by transvaginal ultrasonography, and the examination of endometrial biopsies. We describe a case which showed that tamoxifen (20 mg/day over 12 months) decreased impedance to blood flow in the uterine arteries and increased the apparent thickness of the endometrium. Conversely, the analysis of biopsies suggested the presence of an atrophic endometrium. The introduction of sterile saline into the uterine cavity during a repeat ultrasound scan revealed the presence of a large, free-floating endometrial polyp, which was subsequently difficult to see by hysteroscopy.