[The ultrasonic demonstration of gas in the endometrial cavity--an aid for the diagnosis of puerperal endometritis]. / Die ultrasonografiese aanduiding van gas in die endometriumholte--'n hulpmiddel vir die diagnose van puerperale endometritis.

A pilot study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of gas in the puerperal endometrial cavity and to determine whether this finding has any relationship to the mode of delivery or to the development of puerperal endometritis. On the first day after delivery 192 patients were examinee ultrasonographically and gas was demonstrated in 26 (13.54%). Gas was found significantly more often in relation to caesarean section and intra-uterine manipulation than in normal vaginal deliveries (P less than 0.0001). On the third puerperal day the gas disappeared in 12 patients but persisted in 14, of whom 7 had signs of endometritis. Endometritis was diagnosed in a total of 8 patients and only 1 did not have signs of gas in the endometrial cavity. Although the figures are small it is concluded that ultrasonography of the puerperal uterus might assist in the diagnosis of puerperal endometritis.