Fallopian tube patency demonstrated at ultrasonography

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Gynecology

Background:

• Female infertility affects a significant number of women seeking reproductive assistance.
• Accurate assessment of fallopian tube patency is crucial for diagnosing infertility.
• Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a traditional method, but ultrasonography offers a less invasive alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasonography in assessing fallopian tube patency compared to hysterosalpingography.
• To determine the concordance rate between HSG and ultrasound in diagnosing tubal patency.
• To identify potential pitfalls and limitations of the ultrasonographic method.

Main Methods:

• 24 infertile patients underwent both hysterosalpingography (HSG) and transvaginal ultrasound.
• A sterile isotonic saline solution was injected transcervically.
• Fallopian tube patency was assessed by the presence of fluid in the pouch of Douglas via ultrasound and by HSG findings.

Main Results:

• The results from HSG and ultrasonographic examination were concordant in 21 out of 24 patients (87.5%).
• Identified pitfalls included fluid accumulation in periadnexal adhesions, bowel wall edema, and saline spill into hydrosalpinx.
• Ultrasound demonstrated high accuracy in identifying at least unilateral tubal patency.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasonography is a reliable and concordant method with HSG for assessing fallopian tube patency.
• Ultrasound is advocated as the initial diagnostic examination for infertility in young women.
• Demonstrating tubal patency via ultrasound may guide management towards a conservative six-month conception trial before invasive procedures.