The use of ultrasound in the diagnosis of pelvic masses.

Two hundred and two patients were referred to the ultrasound department for evaluation of a pelvic mass during 1977, and of these only 120 underwent an operation enabling a definitive diagnosis to be made. The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound was compared with the final operative diagnosis. The great majority (98%) of pelvic masses could be detected, and ultrasound was accurate in predicting the antatomical site of a pelvic lesion in 88% of cases. Uterine lesions were precisely diagnosed in 87% of cases, but only 30% of adnexal conditions could be specifically recognized. Numerous situations in which ultrasound provided additional information of great clinical value were noted.