Ultrasonographic evaluation of the cervix: transperineal versus endovaginal imaging

Objective. This study compares transperineal and endovaginal ultrasonography of the gravid cervix to evaluate image quality and assess for a systematic difference in cervical lengths measured by the 2 techniques. Methods. Transperineal and endovaginal ultrasonography of the cervix was performed on 64 pregnant women. Two physicians reviewed the images and rated the relative diagnostic value of the techniques for assessing the cervix and for evaluating for placenta previa Cervical length was measured prospectively in both techniques. Data were analyzed to determine if there is a systematic difference in length using the 2 approaches and if length differences are dependent on gestational age. Results. There was a strong reviewer preference for endovaginal ultrasonographic images over transperineal images for both assessing the cervix (P