B-flow ultrasound facilitates visualization of contrast medium during hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography

Clinical Applications of B-Flow Ultrasound: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Coded excitation ultrasound investigations have the potential to augment the resolution, increase the efficiency, and expand the possibilities of noninvasive diagnostic imaging. B-Flow ultrasound, a type of digitally encoded imaging, was developed more than 20 years ago with the aim to optimize the visualization of blood flow. It has been investigated for a plethora of applications so far. A scoping review regarding its clinical applications was conducted based on a systematic literature research. B-Flow has been investigated in various anatomic locations and pathologies. However, previous research is limited by small sample sizes, the rare occurrence of elaborate study designs, the reliance on subjective reports and qualitative data, as well as several potential biases. While results are in general promising, it should therefore still be considered an emerging technology. Nevertheless, the limitations can be addressed in future research and the potential to expand its applications make B-Flow an interesting candidate for further investigations.

Tubal Flushing Treatment for Unexplained Infertility

Tubal patency testing was initially introduced as a diagnostic test. However, it has been observed that some tubal patency tests also have a therapeutic effect. This therapeutic effect can be influenced by the contrast medium used during tubal flushing. In this review, we discuss current evidence associated with different methods for tubal flushing and their potential impact on reproductive outcomes in women with unexplained infertility. Furthermore, we discuss their diagnostic accuracy, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

Saline-Air Hysterosalpingo-Contrast Sonography Is Equivalent to the Modified Hysterosalpingogram Following Hysteroscopic Sterilization

PURPOSE

To estimate the diagnostic efficacy of saline-air hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (SA-HyCoSy) compared with the modified hysterosalpingogram (mHSG) for confirmation of both coil location and tubal occlusion following hysteroscopic sterilization.

METHODS

This study included 19 women who underwent both SA-HyCoSy and mHSG where 1 test was followed by the other. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for tubal occlusion against the mHSG were calculated for each fallopian tube by 2 independent interpreters. Interrater reliability was assessed using Cohen κ statistic. Procedure time and pain level by 11-point numeric rating scale of SA-HyCoSy and mHSG were also compared.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight fallopian tubes were evaluated. Tubal occlusion was noted in 97.3% of tubes for both interpreters with the mHSG compared with 92.1% and 94.7% with SA-HyCoSy. The positive and negative predictive values for tubal occlusion were 100%/100% and 50%/33%, respectively, with an overall agreement of 97.4% and 95.7%, κ = 0.48, P < 0.01. Saline-air HyCoSy changed interpretation of coil insert location in 50% and 44.7% for each interpreter, being downgraded from optimal to satisfactory in 42.9% (9/21) and 36% (9/25) and upgraded to optimal in 58.8% (10/17) and 61.5% (8/13), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in procedural time (7.5 vs 9.4 minutes, P > 0.05) or maximum pain scores (2.3 vs 3.1, P > 0.05) for the mHSG compared with SA-HyCoSy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings revealed a high degree of diagnostic accuracy with SA-HyCoSy for tubal occlusion, although coil location changed in nearly half of cases. Avoidance of radiation and patient convenience/compliance with SA-HyCoSy may outweigh the drawbacks.

Ultrasound-guided sialo-irrigation with a saline-air mixture as the contrast medium

Ultrasound (US)-guided salivary gland irrigation is a popular conservative treatment method that improves the success rate and reduces complications of the sialo-irrigation procedure. US is routinely used for evaluation of various salivary gland diseases because of its easy accessibility and absence of ionizing radiation. US also allows dynamic studies with real-time imaging during diagnostic or surgical procedures. However, conventional US images have limitations in salivary duct visualization. Although US images acquired with saline irrigation have improved visualization because of ductal system dilation by the pulling effect, the resultant image quality remains insufficient for diagnosis. Therefore, contrast agents are required during US-guided sialo-irrigation procedures to produce diagnostic image quality. Air bubbles in saline solution have high echogenicity and enhance image quality by acting as a US contrast agent. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical significance of US-guided sialo-irrigation with a saline-air contrast medium, to estimate its diagnostic and treatment efficacy, and to examine the procedure in two patients. In the study, two patients underwent US-guided salivary gland irrigation with air-bubble mixed saline solution. During the procedure, we were able to visualize the salivary gland duct and subsequently irrigate and clean the inside of the duct. As a result, the patients' symptoms were relieved and saline solution mixed with air bubbles was confirmed to be an effective contrast agent.

Power Doppler flow mapping and four-dimensional ultrasound for evaluating tubal patency compared with laparoscopy

OBJECTIVES

To study the accuracy of four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound and power Doppler flow mapping in detecting tubal patency in women with sub-/infertility, and compare it with laparoscopy and chromopertubation.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective study. The study was performed in the outpatient clinic and infertility unit of a university hospital. The sonographic team and laparoscopic team were blinded to the results of each other. Women aged younger than 43 years seeking medical advice due to primary or secondary infertility and who planned to have a diagnostic laparoscopy performed, were recruited to the study after signing an informed consent. All of the recruited patients had power Doppler flow mapping and 4D hysterosalpingo-sonography by injecting sterile saline into the fallopian tubes 1 day before surgery. Registering Doppler signals, while using power Doppler, both at the tubal ostia and fimbrial end and the ability to demonstrate the course of the tube especially the isthmus and fimbrial end, while using 4D mode, was considered a patent tube.

RESULTS

Out of 50 recruited patients, 33 women had bilateral patent tubes and five had unilateral patent tubes as shown by chromopertubation during diagnostic laparoscopy. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy for two-dimensional power Doppler hysterosalpingography were 94.4%, 100%, 100%, 89.2%, and 96.2%, respectively and for 4D ultrasound were 70.4%, 100%, 100%, 70.4%, and 82.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Four-dimensional saline hysterosalpingography has acceptable accuracy in detecting tubal patency, but is surpassed by power Doppler saline hysterosalpingography. Power Doppler saline hysterosalpingography could be incorporated into the routine sub-/infertility workup.