Vascular Ultrasound in Gynecology

The usefulness of the vascular ultrasound in the filed of gynecology is now well recognized. The intima-media thickness (IMT) and the elastic property of the common carotid artery are reported to be associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases and are thought to be influenced by menopause. The assessment of the flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery is a noninvasive method for the evaluation of vascular endothelial function and is reported to be associated with menopause or hormone replacement therapy. Certain gynecological situations such as contraceptive use or hormone replacement therapy are reported to increase the risk of thrombosis. For the screening of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities in the gynecological diseases, compression ultrasonography (CUS) is useful.