[Ultrasonographic evaluation of the endometrium in postmenopausal women to select the high risk group of endometrial carcinoma of the uterus].

We examined the usefulness of ultrasonography (USG) for endometrial cancer screening in postmenopausal women. 207 postmenopausal women were ultrasonographically examined. The endometrial echo was classified into 4 types: 1, anechoic; 2, hair-line; 3, linear; and 4, navicular, and was compared with histological findings. No abnormal histological findings were observed in the cases showing type 1 and 2. On the other hand, abnormal histological findings including endometrial hyperplasia, atypical hyperplasia, and endometrial cancer, were seen in 57.7% (15/26) of type 3 cases, and 65.6% (21/32) of type 4 cases. Furthermore, type 3 and 4 women had enlargement of the uterus, and an increased incidence of postmenopausal bleeding. Positive rates in the progesterone challenge test (PCT) and karyopicnotic index (KPI) were higher in type 3 and 4 cases than in type 1 and 2. It was concluded that USG is able to accurately determine the endometrial condition and is useful for identifying high-risk patients in endometrial cancer screening.