TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND COLOUR DOPPLER IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GYNAECOLOGICAL PELVIC MASSES

Pelvic masses in women represent a broad spectrum of gynaecological conditions, ranging from benign entities such as ovarian cysts and fibroids to potentially malignant conditions like ovarian cancer. The accurate and timely evaluation of these masses is crucial for determining appropriate clinical management, whether it involves surveillance, medical treatment, or surgical intervention. In recent decades, non-invasive imaging modalities like ultrasonography and colour Doppler have become indispensable tools in the diagnosis and assessment of gynaecological pelvic masses. These technologies provide detailed insights into the size, structure, and vascularity of pelvic masses, significantly enhancing the ability of clinicians to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions.^[1] Ultrasonography is often the first-line imaging modality used in the evaluation of pelvic masses due to its accessibility, non-invasiveness, and high-resolution imaging capabilities. It allows for the visualization of pelvic organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and adnexal structures, enabling clinicians to assess the morphology of masses and identify structural abnormalities. Transabdominal and transvaginal approaches are the two primary methods of performing pelvic ultrasonography. Transabdominal ultrasound offers a broader field of view, making it useful for larger masses, while transvaginal ultrasound provides higher resolution images, particularly for smaller or early-stage masses.^[2] One of the most significant advantages of ultrasonography is its ability to differentiate between cystic, solid, and complex (mixed solid and cystic) masses. This distinction is critical as cystic masses are often benign, while solid masses may raise suspicion for malignancy. Complex masses, which contain both solid and cystic components, can be more challenging to evaluate and may require additional diagnostic tools. In this context, ultrasonography serves as an essential initial step in the evaluation process, guiding further diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. ^[3]

However, the diagnostic capabilities of ultrasonography are not limited to morphological assessment alone. When combined with colour Doppler imaging, it provides valuable information about the vascularity of pelvic masses. Colour Doppler measures blood flow within the mass, which is an important indicator of malignancy. Malignant tumors tend to be more vascularized, with increased blood flow and abnormal vessel patterns, while benign lesions typically exhibit lower vascularity. By assessing the flow characteristics, such as velocity, resistance, and the presence of neovascularization, colour Doppler significantly enhances the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography. ^[4,5] The role of colour Doppler in gynaecological imaging is particularly important in the preoperative assessment of pelvic masses. It helps in identifying malignant tumors at an early stage by detecting abnormal vascular patterns that may not be visible on grayscale ultrasound. The evaluation of vascular resistance indices, such as the resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI), provides further diagnostic clues. A lower RI and PI are often associated with malignant lesions, while benign masses usually show higher resistance to blood flow. Thus, the integration of colour Doppler into routine ultrasonographic evaluation improves the specificity and sensitivity of detecting malignancies, which is critical for patient prognosis. ^[6,7] In addition to its diagnostic applications, ultrasonography combined with colour Doppler is valuable in monitoring treatment responses in patients with gynaecological pelvic masses. For example, in cases of ovarian cysts or endometriosis, ultrasonography can be used to track changes in size and morphology over time. In malignant cases, it helps in assessing tumor regression following chemotherapy or other treatments. This non-invasive approach provides real-time information that can be critical for adjusting treatment plans, thereby improving patient outcomes. ^[8] Despite the advantages of ultrasonography and colour Doppler, there are certain limitations that must be acknowledged. Ultrasonography is operator-dependent, meaning the quality and accuracy of the imaging depend largely on the skill and experience of the radiologist or sonographer. Additionally, while ultrasonography is excellent for assessing superficial pelvic masses, it may be less effective in evaluating deeply situated or small lesions, especially in patients with obesity or significant bowel gas, which can obscure the imaging. In such cases, other imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be required for a more comprehensive evaluation. ^[9] Moreover, while colour Doppler significantly enhances diagnostic accuracy, it is not infallible. Some benign lesions, such as fibroids or endometriomas, may exhibit increased vascularity, mimicking malignant characteristics on Doppler imaging. Conversely, certain malignant tumors may show low vascularity, leading to potential underdiagnosis. Therefore, while ultrasonography and colour Doppler are highly valuable, they should be used in conjunction with clinical findings, laboratory tests, and, when necessary, other imaging modalities or biopsy to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. ^[10]