Transperineal Vulvar Ultrasound: A Review of Normal and Abnormal Findings with a Proposed Standardized Methodology.

Abstract

The vulva is a complex anatomical organ that may present with a wide range of pathologies. Even if it can be easily investigated, correctly interpreting vulvar appearance is often challenging. Vulvar ultrasound is an emerging diagnostic technique that may be helpful in different aspects of vulvar pathology. We aimed to summarize the state of the art of vulvar ultrasound, provide the necessary theoretical bases of embryology and anatomy, describe the normal and pathological vulvar sonographic characteristics, and propose a feasible and reproducible methodology for vulvar ultrasound. Vulvar sonographic scan should be performed with a linear probe, preferably > 15 mHz, following a standardized methodology. The sonographic appearance of the normal vulva reflects the different histology of its structures and, thus, their embryogenetic origin. The description of a suspected vulvar lesion should include localization, dimensions, volume, type of growth, shape, appearance of the edges, depth of invasion, echogenicity, and identification of vascularization. Cystic dilatation of obstructed Bartolini ducts is the most common benign finding in the vulva (fluctuant structures in the posterior third of the labia majora containing clear mucous fluid). Malignant vulvar lesions appear as hypoechogenic or heterogeneous solid lesions with irregular margins and a high degree of vascularization. Extramammary Paget Disease presents a homogeneous hypoechogenic creeping area in the epidermis due to neoplastic cells typical of this disease. The potential applications of vulvar ultrasound are examining the content of a vulvar swelling to guide its management and assessing the response to medical treatment in the case of lichen sclerosus. In managing patients affected by vulvar malignancies, it may play a critical role in local staging, stromal invasion determination, measuring the distance from the midline, and assessing the eligibility for sentinel lymph node procedure. Vulvar ultrasound is a minimally invasive and economical test that can be performed with minimal equipment. Further studies will be necessary to validate the clinical applications, quantify the diagnostic performance, and evaluate the agreement between operators.