Soundeffects News | New Voice Kate Postle, QLD

Kate Postle, QLD

Your session focuses on adenomyosis in practice through real case studies. What drew you to this topic, and why did you want to bring it to an international audience at ASA2026?

For too long, the sonographic hallmark of adenomyosis has been limited to a ‘heterogeneous myometrium’, a vague, subjective criterion that has contributed to the condition being incorrectly underdiagnosed – and overdiagnosed – in many patients. My transition into obstetric and gynaecological specialisation was a catalyst for me; I realised how many cases were being overlooked because we weren’t applying the full scope of the MUSA diagnostic criteria.

Unlike many other pathologies, adenomyosis relies heavily on the sonographer’s expertise and technical execution. This places a profound responsibility on our shoulders. I wanted to bring this to an international audience at ASA2026 because adenomyosis often lacks the clinical ‘limelight’ of other conditions, despite its impact on patients’ lives. By sharing real-life case studies, I want to move our practice beyond basic descriptions and empower sonographers with the diagnostic confidence to ensure these patients are no longer missed.

What made this feel like the right time to step forward as a new presenter at ASA2026?

After attending the last few ASA conferences across Australia and the Special Interest Group last year in Queenstown, I have been inspired by the momentum in our field and feel it is the right time to transition from attendee to contributor. My experience presenting at smaller conferences and case nights has taught me that the best way to master a subject is to share it; I am now eager to embrace the challenge of a national platform to spark that same inspiration and curiosity in my peers.

Adenomyosis can be challenging to identify and interpret. What’s one practical insight from your case studies that you think will really resonate with sonographers?

The most significant shift we can make is to move our eyes away from general myometrial heterogeneity and focus on the junctional zone. Instead of settling for a subjective diagnosis based on myometrial heterogeneity, I encourage sonographers to actively hunt for the MUSA features around the junctional zone –the signs of endometrial invasion through to the myometrium: subendometrial echogenic lines and buds, and junctional zone irregularities and interruptions. By shifting our focus to these specific markers, we move from a place of guessing based on texture to identifying based on clear diagnostic evidence.

As a first time presenter, how has the preparation process been for you, and what’s helping you feel confident heading into the conference?

As a first-time presenter, the process has been both challenging and rewarding. I feel fortunate to be supported by a network of experienced mentors who continue to educate and support me throughout this process. Knowing that my cases have been discussed and refined with such a knowledgeable team helps ease the first-time nerves. Beyond that, I’m a firm believer in the power of preparation, so I’m putting in the hours of practice to make sure I’m ready to contribute meaningfully to the ASA2026 program.

More broadly, what conversations or shifts in thinking do you hope your session contributes to within women’s health sonography?

I hope my session contributes to the long-overdue shift away from the dismissal of women’s pelvic pain. Adenomyosis has previously been an overlooked piece of the diagnostic puzzle, and that lack of visibility is part of a broader systemic issue in women’s health. Adenomyosis is a prime example of a condition where the sonographer’s expertise can be the difference between a patient being dismissed or being diagnosed. I want to emphasise the crucial, specialised role sonographers play as the front line in a patient’s journey towards an answer.

SESSION

FRIDAY 3:30 pm – 3:50 pm

PRESENTATION

Adenomyosis in practice: Case studies