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Radionuclide hysterosalpingography with radiolabeled spermatozoa
1Jones Institute for Women's Health, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, USA. KEMAL@JONES1.EVMS.EDU
Fertility and Sterility
|April 1, 1997
Summary
This study shows radionuclide hysterosalpingography (HSG) using radiolabeled sperm is a promising method for checking fallopian tube patency in infertility evaluations. It offers comparable safety to conventional HSG.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Assessing fallopian tube patency is crucial for diagnosing infertility in couples.
- Conventional hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a standard diagnostic tool.
- Novel imaging techniques are being explored to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of radionuclide hysterosalpingography (HSG) using 99mTc hexamethyl propyleneamine oxime (HMPAO)-labeled human spermatozoa.
- To assess fallopian tube patency in infertile couples.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen infertile women underwent insemination with radiolabeled spermatozoa post-menses.
- Scintigraphic imaging tracked radioactivity in the uterus and parauterine tissues.
- Results were compared with laparoscopy and conventional HSG findings.
Main Results:
- Peak radioactivity at periovarian sites (Tmax) was observed at 6.74 +/- 2.66 minutes (right) and 5.91 +/- 2.93 minutes (left).
- Spermatozoa-labeled radionuclide HSG demonstrated 72% sensitivity and 75% specificity for tubal patency compared to laparoscopy.
Conclusions:
- Radionuclide HSG with husband's spermatozoa appears to be a viable method for evaluating fallopian tube patency.
- The radiation dose is comparable to conventional HSG.
- Further comparative studies are necessary to fully understand the technique's advantages and limitations.