Comparison of three-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography and diagnostic laparoscopy with chromopertubation in the assessment of tubal patency for the investigation of subfertility

Comparison of Effectiveness as well as Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Dimensions of Hysterosalpingo-Contrast Sonography for Diagnosis of Lesions Associated with Female Infertility

Methods

Forty subjects who underwent routine two-dimensional (2D) vaginal ultrasound, three-dimensional HyCoSy (3D-HyCoSy), and four-dimensional HyCoSy (4D-HyCoSy) examinations from January 2021 to July 2022 at the ultrasound department of Pukou Branch of Jiangsu Province Hospital were enrolled to this study. Fallopian tubal recanalization by hydrotubation (FTRH) was used as the gold standard to compare the efficacy of 2D vaginal ultrasound, 3D-HyCoSy, and 4D-HyCoSy in assessing the subjects for the presence of polyps, myomas, and other occupants in the uterine cavity or uterine adhesions.

Results

A total of 18 cases of uterine cavity lesions, 11 of pelvic lesions, and 11 of ovarian lesions were identified by FTRH, while 80 fallopian tubes were found in 40 patients and 71 tubal obstructions were detected by FTRH. Vaginal ultrasound assessment of uterine cavity, pelvis, ovarian lesions, and tubal obstruction was moderately consistent with FTRH (Kappa = 0.616, 0.673, 0.654, and 0.640), 3D-HyCoSy was in good agreement with FTRH (Kappa = 0.812, 0.910, 0.906, and 0.894), and 4D-HyCoSy was in good agreement with FTRH (Kappa = 0.914, 0.903, 1.000, and 0.942), with 4D-HyCoSy being in good agreement with FTRH had the highest agreement.

Conclusion

4D-HyCoSy can be used as an effective tool for clinical diagnosis of female tubal obstruction infertility and provide a reference basis for the design of subsequent clinical treatment plans.

Hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography vs. magnetic resonance-hysterosalpingography for diagnosing fallopian tubal patency: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To compare hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography (HyCoSy) and magnetic resonance-hysterosalpingography (MR-HSG) in the diagnosis of fallopian tubal patency.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The databases of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for records up to November 30, 2019. Studies involved in the diagnostic detection of HyCoSy or MR-HSG for fallopian tubal patency using conventional HSG or laparoscopy as the reference test were included. Data was analyzed by meta-analysis. We compared sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR and NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) plots of both HyCoSy and MR-HSG. Quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool.

RESULTS

The analysis included 24 articles involving 1340 patients. HyCoSy was studied in 17 studies, and MR-HSG was studied in seven studies. For HyCoSy in diagnosis of fallopian tubal patency, pooled sensitivity was 89 % (95 % confidence interval [CI], 87 %-91 %), and specificity was 93 % (95 % CI, 91 %-94 %). For MR-HSG in diagnosis of fallopian tubal patency, pooled sensitivity was 100 % (95 % CI, 98 %-100 %), and specificity was 82 % (95 % CI, 74 %-89 %). The sROC showed similar diagnostic accuracy for MR-HSG and HyCoSy. 3D/4D HyCoSy with ultrasound microbubbles had equal sensitivity (95 % vs. 100 %, P = 0.186) and significantly higher specificity (94 % vs. 82 %, P = 0.005) compared with MR-HSG.

CONCLUSIONS

HyCoSy and MR-HSG showed similar overall diagnostic performance for diagnosing fallopian tubal patency. 3D/4D HyCoSy with ultrasound microbubbles could significantly improve the diagnostic specificity of HyCoSy.

Comparison of sonohysterography to hysterosalpingogram for tubal patency assessment in a multicenter fertility treatment trial among women with polycystic ovary syndrome

PURPOSE

To compare saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) versus hysterosalpingogram (HSG) for confirmation of tubal patency.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, Pregnancy in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome II (PPCOS II). Seven hundred fifty infertile women (18-40 years old) with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were randomized to up to 5 cycles of letrozole or clomiphene citrate. Prior to enrollment, tubal patency was determined by HSG, the presence of free fluid in the pelvis on SIS, laparoscopy, or recent intrauterine pregnancy. Logistic regression was conducted in patients who ovulated with clinical pregnancy as the outcome and HSG or SIS as the key independent variable.

RESULTS

Among women who ovulated, 414 (66.9%) had tubal patency confirmed by SIS and 187 (30.2%) had at least one tube patent on HSG. Multivariable analysis indicated that choice of HSG versus SIS did not have a significant relationship on likelihood of clinical pregnancy, after adjustment for treatment arm, BMI, duration of infertility, smoking, and education (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.77, 1.67, P = 0.52). Ectopic pregnancy occurred more often in women who had tubal patency confirmed by HSG compared to SIS (2.8% versus 0.6%, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of women with PCOS, there was no significant difference in clinical pregnancy rate between women who had tubal patency confirmed by HSG versus SIS. SIS is an acceptable imaging modality for assessment of tubal patency in this population.

Ultrasound in Infertility Setting: Optimal Strategy to Evaluate the Assessment of Tubal Patency

Tubal patency is a key element in women who are undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ART), in order to attempt or exclude intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles. Amongst the different procedures that can be used, without resorting to laparoscopy that remains the gold standard, hystero-salpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy) is an acceptable, time-efficient, and well tolerated option; it can be performed with administration of saline and air simultaneously or alternately (air/saline-HyCoSy), or with some other contrast agents, like SonoVue (sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles). In this paper, we describe two different studies: in the first one, our aim is to compare the efficiency of air/saline-HyCoSy with HyCoSy performed with contrast media (SonoVue), considering hysterosalpingography (HSG) and laparoscopy (LPS) as reference tests; in the second one, we estimate the pregnancy rate of a cohort of infertile women selected to undergo IUI cycles after tubal bilateral patency demonstration with air/saline-HyCoSy, to understand if this technique can be used as an efficient screening procedure in a Reproductive Unit.

Application of 3D-HyCoSy in the diagnosis of oviduct obstruction

The aim of the study was to analyze the application value of three-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (3D-HyCoSy) in the diagnosis of oviduct obstruction. Fifty-two patients with infertility and oviduct obstruction were continuously selected and treated with 3D-HyCoSy and CLP (CLP). It was found that according to CLP diagnosis, 40 oviducts were obstructed, 30 were partially obstructed, 12 were tortuous and 22 were completely obstructed. The 40 cases were unilaterally pathological, 24 were bilaterally pathological, 10 were diagnosed as congenital dysplasia, 35 were diagnosed as inflammation and 19 were diagnosed as tumor and cyst. Based on the diagnostic criteria of CLP, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values and negative predictive values of 3D-HyCoSy was 82.4, 88.3, 77.9 and 90.2%, respectively. The contrast agent flow time of oviduct obstruction (tortuosity and complete obstruction) as diagnosed by 3D-HyCoSy was significantly prolonged when compared with that of partial oviduct obstruction (P<0.05), and flow time of inflammation as diagnosed thereby was longer than that of congenital dysplasia, tumor and cyst. Following the diagnosis of inflammation, the shape of the contrast agent was tenuous, swollen, angled, rigid and distorted and the occurrence rate of inflammation was significantly higher (P<0.05). In conclusion, the diagnostic effect of 3D-HyCoSy on oviduct obstruction was more accurate and can show different features when diagnosing different types of inflammation, thus having a certain value for identifying the inflammation.

Three- or four-dimensional hysterosalpingo contrast sonography for diagnosing tubal patency in infertile females: a systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the diagnostic value of three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) hysterosalpingo contrast sonography (HyCoSy) for detecting tubal patency in infertile females.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted to identify related research. The pooled results were calculated by diagnostic meta-analysis with bivariate mixed-effects binary regression. Subgroup analyses and publication bias were further performed.

RESULTS

23 studies, including 1153 females with 2259 detected fallopian tubes, were identified. The pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity were 0.92 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.90-0.94, I(2) = 36.68] and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.89-0.93, I(2) = 38.99), respectively. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95-0.98). No publication bias was observed.

CONCLUSION

3D/4D HyCoSy is an accurate test for diagnosing tubal patency in infertile females.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

3D/4D HyCoSy is an accurate test for diagnosing tubal patency in females suffering from infertility, whilst overcoming some main limitations of other methods. 3D/4D HyCoSy is recommended as a fundamental test for female infertility.

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.

Imaging techniques for assessment of tubal status

Fallopian tubes make a vital portal for transfer of gametes and embryo. Tubal factor is responsible for infertility in 25-35% of cases. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) has been used to evaluate the uterine cavity and the tubal status since decades. It uses iodinated contrast and X-rays and is painful and inconvenient for patient. Laparoscopy is considered to be the gold standard for tubal evaluation, but is an operative procedure and needs anesthesia. Though ultrasound is a modality of choice for assessment of uterus and ovaries, it does not allow assessment of the fallopian tube unless there is any fluid surrounding it or inside the lumen. This fluid interface can be created artificially by introducing saline in the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes and scanning simultaneously. The procedure is named Saline infusion HSG. Saline infusion sonohysterosalpingography (SIS) can be done with B mode US and Doppler. SIS can demonstrate a patent tube but if blocked, the site of block cannot be demonstrated. Ultrasound contrast agents can be used for tubal assessment using contrast mode on the scanners. This procedure is known as hystero-contrast sonography (HyCoSy). This actually shows the passage of hyperechoic contrast agent through tubal lumen and delineates it and locates the site of block. Using the volume ultrasound may even make the demonstration of tubal status and fimbriae better. Results of HyCoSy have been found to correlate well with laparoscopic findings, which are a gold standard. It is recommended by National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence as a primary investigation for tubal assessment in patients without any positive history of tubal damage and also can replace a second look laparoscopy.

The use of a new gel foam for the evaluation of tubal patency

AIMS

To evaluate the feasibility and the reliability of hysterosalpingo-foam sonography (HyFoSy) using gel foam in the assessment of tubal patency.

METHODS

Nonrandomized, observational, academic and single-center study of 20 women being investigated because of subfertility and scheduled for a laparoscopy with chromopertubation. A detailed description of HyFoSy with a newly developed gel foam is given in the way it proved to be most efficient in our hands. The results of HyFoSy are compared to the data regarding tubal patency testing during laparoscopy by chromopertubation.

RESULTS

All 20 HyFoSy were technically successful. Four of the 40 tubes, 1 right tube and 3 left tubes, were not patent at HyFoSy (3 tubes with proximal block and 1 tube with distal block). There was a 100% agreement between tubal patency data according to HyFoSy testing and laparoscopic chromopertubation testing.

CONCLUSION

HyFoSy is both feasible and accurate in the diagnosis of tubal patency.

Sonohysterosalpingography: a suitable choice in infertility workup

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy, compliance, and cost effectiveness of sonohysterosalpingography (HyCoSy) compared with hysteroscopy for uterine cavity evaluation and compared with RX-hysterosalpingography (RX-HSG) for tubal patency determination.

METHODS

Three hundred and eight infertile patients underwent HyCoSy, hysteroscopy, and RX-HSG. We compared sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), discomfort level, and cost of all three procedures.

RESULTS

Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were higher for HyCoSy than for hysteroscopy but the differences were not significant. HyCoSy also has the same accuracy as RX-HSG. Pain perception and cost were higher for RX-HSG and hysteroscopy than for HyCoSy.

CONCLUSIONS

HyCoSy can be regarded as a procedure for initial evaluation of the uterine cavity and of tubal patency in infertile patients.

Value of three-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography with SonoVue in the assessment of tubal patency

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the accuracy of transvaginal three-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography using SonoVue (3D SonoVue-HyCoSy) in the assessment of Fallopian tubal patency.

METHODS

We recruited 75 infertile patients undergoing 3D SonoVue-HyCoSy before standard diagnostic laparoscopy with chromotubation (lap and dye). Tubal patency was assessed by automated 3D coded contrast imaging (3D SonoVue-HyCoSy), and the findings were compared with the results of lap and dye.

RESULTS

For detecting tubal patency among the 150 Fallopian tubes assessed, 3D SonoVue-HyCoSy had a sensitivity of 93.5%, specificity of 86.3%, positive and negative predictive values of 87.8% and 92.6%, respectively, and diagnostic accuracy of 90.0%. The test-positive rates of 3D SonoVue-HyCoSy vs lap and dye were not significantly different (82/150 vs 77/150, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

3D SonoVue-HyCoSy should be considered clinically valuable as a practical, non-invasive, primary investigatory tool for evaluating tubal patency.

Diagnostic accuracy and efficacy of color Doppler mapping for tubal patency

AIM

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of color Doppler mapping for tubal patency, comparing its results with those of hysterosalpingography (HSG) and laparoscopy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective clinical study was conducted in 36 subfertile women who were offered laparoscopy after HSG evaluation. All infertile couples were evaluated with basic infertility procedures. After HSG assessment, laparoscopy was offered when evidence of either unilateral or bilateral tubal obstruction was observed. One day before the operation, transvaginal ultrasound scanning of the pelvis and color Doppler mapping were performed. The findings of sonography, HSG and laparoscopy were compared.

RESULTS

Sixty-four of 72 fallopian tubes were evaluated and four patients were excluded from the analysis because of technical difficulties. The sensitivity of color Doppler mapping for detecting tubal patency was 76.2% with a specificity of 81.4%. The positive and negative predictive values were 66.7% and 87.5%, respectively. The concordance rate was 79.7%. The false positivity rate for color Doppler mapping and HSG were observed as 19% and 35%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Color Doppler mapping as an adjunct to an abnormal HSG may decrease the need for laparoscopic intervention for the diagnosis of tubal disorders.

Diagnostic value of sonohysterography in the determination of fallopian tube patency as an initial step of routine infertility assessment

OBJECTIVES

Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after 1 year of regular unprotected intercourse. It affects 10% to 15% of couples. Sonohysterography (SHG) is an accurate method for the assessment of fallopian tube patency, reflected in its high positive predictive value compared with hysterosalpingography (HSG) and laparoscopy with chromopertubation. In this study, our goal was to determine the diagnostic value of SHG for the diagnosis of bilateral tubal obstruction by comparison of SHG with HSG and laparoscopic results.

METHODS

This study was based on the evaluation of tubal patency by SHG and by the combination of HSG and laparoscopy in 40 patients. All patients underwent HSG as a routine infertility workup, and all patients with bilateral proximal tubal obstruction diagnosed by HSG subsequently underwent SHG.

RESULTS

Among 1024 infertile women referred to an infertility clinic, 117 (11.4%) had a diagnosis of a tubal factor as the cause of their infertility. Forty-two patients with HSG findings of bilateral proximal tubal obstruction were enrolled. Forty patients underwent SHG. In 32 patients (80%), at least 1 fallopian tube was patent, and 8 patients (20%) were reported to have bilateral tubal obstruction. Those 8 patients with SHG evidence of bilateral tubal obstruction underwent laparoscopy. Eventually, 6 of those were laparoscopically confirmed to have bilateral tubal obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

Sonohysterography is an accurate method for the determination of fallopian tube patency. It is a simple, safe, and well-tolerated technique with a low risk of adverse effects and severe complications.

2D and 3D hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography in the assessment of uterine cavity and tubal patency

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the diagnostic efficacy of 2D B-mode, color and pulsed Doppler Hy-Co-Sy and 3D B-mode and power Doppler Hy-Co-Sy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

One hundred and fifty-two women were recruited into the 2D B-mode, color and pulsed Doppler Hy-Co-Sy study and 116 other women were recruited into the 3D B-mode and power Doppler Hy-Co-Sy study. We assessed the diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV) of 2D and 3D Hy-Co-Sy, compared to hysteroscopy, and laparoscopy and dye test in the assessment of uterine abnormalities and tubal patency, respectively.

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 2D hysterosonography compared to hysteroscopy were 93.6, 97.3, 98.2 and 97.3%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 3D hysterosonography compared to hysteroscopy were 97.9, 100, 97.9 and 100%, respectively. Addition of color and pulsed Doppler to 2D Hy-Co-Sy and power Doppler to 3D Hy-Co-Sy contributed to diagnostic precision in detection of tubal patency. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 3D power Doppler Hy-Co-Sy in detection of tubal patency compared to laparoscopy and dye intubation were 100, 99.1, 99.2 and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

2D and 3D Hy-Co-Sy are accurate methods for evaluation of uterine abnormalities and tubal patency in infertile patients.

Selective visualization of the Fallopian tube with magnetic resonance imaging

At present, X-ray hysterosalpingography is used commonly as a screening method for testing Fallopian tube patency, but the results are often unreliable due to mucous plugs or muscular contractions. Selective catheterization of the tubes under X-ray control is feasible, but is rarely used due to exposure of young individuals aiming for pregnancy to a high ionizing dose. Here, a case is described of a patient whose Fallopian tubes were selectively catheterized and visualized three-dimensionally under contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance using a high-viscous gadoteric acid solution (Dotarem). In this patient, bilateral peritubal adhesions caused a blockage of the fimbrial part of the tube leading to transuterine spilling of tubal fluid. Laparoscopy followed by bilateral salpingectomy was then performed, which confirmed the three-dimensional MRI images, and the excised specimens were examined histologically. The advantages of this novel technique include the avoidance of ionizing damage to the gonads and the potential for development of more elaborate interventional methods, such as ballooning and stenting. It is intended to develop contrast MRI further, both for improved non-invasive visualization and for manipulative technology of the Fallopian tubes.

The validity of air and saline hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography in tubal patency investigation before insemination treatment

OBJECTIVE

To compare the prognostic significance of tubal patency investigation by means of laparoscopy, hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy) with air and saline as a contrast medium, and hysterosalpingography (HSG) in relation to the outcome of intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study of 559 consecutive women attending the university hospital infertility clinic for infertility treatment in 1996-2003. Tubal patency was evaluated by laparoscopy in 261 women, by HyCoSy in 217 and by HSG in 81 women before insemination treatment. Altogether, 1240 insemination cycles were evaluated and the results were compared in the three study groups.

RESULTS

The clinical pregnancy rates per cycle were 14%, 18% and 18% in the laparoscopic, HyCoSy and HSG groups, with no statistically significant difference between the groups. The cumulative pregnancy rates (mean 2.3 cycles) were 30%, 41% and 38%, respectively, with a significant difference between the study groups. In cases of unilateral patency, cumulative pregnancy rates after two cycles were 18% (laparoscopy), 29% (HyCoSy) and 29% (HSG). The numbers of tubal pregnancies were similar in the subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography with air and saline as a contrast medium is a very cost-effective tubal investigation method as regards selection of subjects for insemination.

Three and four-dimensional ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Developments in ultrasound in general, but even more so in three-dimensional ultrasound, parallel the growth in computing power and speed of computer technology. It is not surprising, therefore, that three-dimensional ultrasound technology is constantly evolving at a fast pace. The purpose of this article is to provide enhanced diagnostic capabilities for the obstetrical and gynecologic provider.

RECENT FINDINGS

The most recent advances in three-dimensional ultrasound have to do with two main features. First, an increasingly fast acquisition speed, enabling quick sequences of fast moving organs such as the heart to be captured. Second, the increasing number of different display modalities, making understanding and analysis of normal anatomy and pathology easier for clinicians.

SUMMARY

This article highlights a selected number of clinical situations in which three-dimensional ultrasound meaningfully enhances the contribution of this fast evolving diagnostic imaging tool.

[Radiologically-guided hysterosalpingography and tubal catheterization]

Radiological exploration of hypofertility by means of hysterosalpingography is a method still valid but no longer sufficient. Tubal catheterization has thus become a necessary complementary exam in order to eliminate the pseudo-obturations of hysterosalpingography and, in case of proximal tubal obstructions, to obtain pregnancies. The conditions for the realization of hysteroalpingography and tubal catheterization are hereby described, with emphasis on the rigorous technique that is required together with careful listening to the patients.

Rational diagnosis and treatment in infertility

Subfertility is a statistical concept. When a pregnancy has not been achieved within a year of unprotected intercourse, the odds are that an underlying pathological mechanism is at play. Advanced female age, longer duration and primary infertility, are important prognostic factors, suggestive of low fecundity and indicating a need for further diagnosis and treatment. Many diagnostic tests only have screening value and the only gold standards are hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. Severely impaired semen quality should lead to andrological work-up. Postcoital test and endometrial biopsy are obsolete. Treatment should preferably be aetiological, such as in anovulation, and sometimes also in endometriosis and tubal infertility. Primary treatment of male infertility is not proven to be advantageous. Conception-enhancing techniques such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilisation (IVF) with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), have shown to be effective. As a rule, and where possible, IUI is preferred and only if four to six cycles have failed should IVF be offered.