What Does a Small Anechoic Area in the Uterine Cavity Mean?
The small anechoic area in the uterine cavity is a diagnostic finding in imaging, which is usually attributed to uterine fluid accumulation, pregnancy, or endometrial cysts. It is recommended to consult a doctor for further examination to confirm the diagnosis.
A small anechoic area in the uterine cavity may indicate uterine fluid accumulation, pregnancy, or endometrial cysts. For women of reproductive age, the primary consideration for amenorrhea is pregnancy. It is necessary to have a blood test for hCG. If the hCG level is higher than the normal range, pregnancy should be considered. Alternatively, it could be due to fluid or blood accumulation in the uterine cavity, such as after an abortion or curettage without sufficient activity to allow blood to flow out. For postmenopausal women, inflammation of the endometrium may cause secretions to accumulate in the uterine cavity without draining out.
The normal size of a woman's uterus is typically measured as 5.5 to 7.5 cm in length (longitudinal diameter), 3.0 to 4.0 cm in anteroposterior diameter, and 4.5 to 5.5 cm in transverse diameter. The cervix measures approximately 2.5 to 3.0 cm. If a woman's uterine cavity is found to be smaller than normal, it indicates that the uterine volume is smaller than average. However, as long as there are no other abnormalities or malformations, this should not affect fertility, and women should not be overly concerned. The absence of an echo in the uterine cavity indicates the absence of echogenic imaging in that area. If an examination reveals no echo, it suggests that a gestational sac has formed within the uterine cavity. During the early stages of pregnancy, when the fetal bud and heartbeat have not yet appeared, there will be no echo. Once the fetal bud and heartbeat become visible, subsequent examinations will demonstrate the presence of an echo. If the fetal bud and heartbeat fail to appear, it is important to seek further attention as this may indicate abnormal embryonic development or a stopped pregnancy.
The presence of an anechoic area in the uterus is generally considered to represent a gestational sac, albeit a small one. The visualization of a gestational sac within the uterus largely excludes the possibility of ectopic pregnancy. Close observation is recommended. It is advisable to increase nutritional intake through diet. Blood tests for progesterone and hCG can be performed to assess whether the levels are within normal ranges. Follow-up ultrasound examinations can be scheduled approximately seven days later to monitor the development of the gestational sac.
