J Clin Ultrasound. 2026 Jan 2. doi: 10.1002/jcu.70167. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the variations in junctional zone (JZ) ultrasonographic parameters using three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound (3D-TVS) across different age groups and evaluate their diagnostic potential for adenomyosis.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 120 patients who underwent 3D-TVS examinations. Participants were categorized into adenomyosis and healthy control groups, with the control group further stratified into three age-based subgroups (20+, 30+, and 40+ years). Quantitative JZ parameters were meticulously measured, including maximum thickness (JZmax), minimum thickness (JZmin), thickness difference (JZdif, calculated as JZmax – JZmin), myometrial thickness adjacent to JZmax, and the ratio of JZmax to adjacent myometrial thickness. Statistical comparisons were performed among groups, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to determine the area under the curve (AUC) müllerian values for adenomyosis diagnosis.
RESULTS: Age-stratified analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in JZ parameters among control subgroups (p > 0.05), indicating minimal age-related variations in JZ characteristics. Compared to healthy controls, adenomyosis patients demonstrated significantly elevated values in JZmax, JZmin, JZdif, and the myometrial thickness adjacent to JZmax (p < 0.05). ROC analysis yielded AUC values of 0.85 for JZmax, 0.84 for myometrial thickness adjacent to JZmax, 0.79 for JZdif, and 0.76 for JZmin. Optimal diagnostic performance was achieved at JZmax ≥ 0.45 cm, demonstrating 77% sensitivity and 89% specificity.
CONCLUSION: 3D-TVS with 3D reconstruction technology enables clear visualization of uterine coronal section and accurate quantification of JZ parameters. These findings support the clinical utility of 3D-TVS in the diagnostic evaluation of adenomyosis.
PMID:41482716 | DOI:10.1002/jcu.70167
