[Use of transvaginal ultrasonography in the early diagnosis of endometrial neoplasia]. / Utilizzo della tecnica ultrasonica transvaginale nella diagnosi precoce della neoplasia endometriale.

The paper examined the efficacy of transvaginal sonography in measuring the endometrium in menopausal women. The study included 50 women, both asymptomatic and with metrorrhagia, all of whom had been in menopause for at least 1 year and were under 75 years old. In symptomatic patients sonographic findings were compared with histological tests. Histological correlation was only performed in asymptomatic patients with endometrial findings of over 8 mm or in those undergoing surgery for other pathologies. Sonography revealed a good level of correlation with histological findings. Endometrial lines measuring less than 8 mm had no pathological significance. On the contrary, in those cases over 8 mm it was important to evaluate the overall morphological significance of sonographic findings and for this purpose histological diagnosis was necessary. Ten hyperplastic forms and 2 endometrial adenocarcinoma were diagnosed in this group. In terms of the sonographic image the hyperplastic forms appeared as a thick, highly reflective and well defined endometrial layer; on the contrary, carcinoma appeared as an irregular, highly reflective area with the loss of the hypoechogenic peripheral halo. The authors conclude that this easily performed and minimally invasive method is of value as as screening method for endometrial carcinoma and should be recommended for women receiving replacement therapy.

[Operative technics for voluntary interruption of pregnancy. Clinical results]. / Tecniche operatorie per i'I.V.G. Risultati clinici.

PIP: The authors observed 2 groups of 14 patients undergoing voluntary interruption of pregnancy between the 7th-12th week. The 1st group underwent abortion by vacuum aspiration only; the 2nd group underwent abortion by vacuum aspiration followed by curettage. The hematochemical parameters and endometrial histological features observed after the operation showed, in the 1st group, trophoblastic residuals in 10 patients, causing high levels of human chorionic gonadotropins (HCG), and consequent delay in the return to normality of the uterus. In the 2nd group trophoblastic residuals were found in only 1 patient, and HCG levels were very low. These results show that vacuum aspiration followed by currettage is the best method to perform 1st trimester abortion.^ieng

[Voluntary interruption of pregnancy in an area hospital on the outskirts of Turin]. / L'interruzione volontaria di gravidanza in un ospedale zonale del circondario di Torino.

Data pertaining to a series of 457 cases of voluntary termination of pregnancy at the Rivoli Infirmary Obstetrics and Gynaecology Division are presented. The patients were divided into three groups by weeks of amenorrhoea. The parameters investigated were: age, parity, previous spontaneous and artificial abortions, and complications observed 60 days after the operation. Percentage data were evaluated in terms of age, marital status, number of children, socioeconomic group, and reasons for termination. Lastly, percentages of dissent and consent on the part of the male partner were also worked out.

PIP: Data pertaining to a series of 457 cases of voluntary termination of pregnancy at the Rivoli Infirmary Obstetrics and Gynaecology Division are presented. The patients were divided into 3 groups by weeks of amenorrhoea. The parameters investigated were: age, parity, previous spontaneous and artificial abortions, and complications observed 60 days after the operation. Percentage data were evaluated in terms of age, marital status, number of children, socioeconomic group, and reasons for termination. Lastly, percentages of dissent and consent on the part of the male partner were also worked out. (Author's modified)