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Assessment of Fallopian tube patency by HyCoSy: comparison of a positive contrast agent with saline solution
Author(s) -
Boudghène F. P.,
Bazot M.,
Robert Y.,
Perrot N.,
Rocourt N.,
Antoine J.M.,
Morris H.,
Leroy J.L.,
Uzan S.,
Bigot J.M.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.202
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1469-0705
pISSN - 0960-7692
DOI - 10.1046/j.0960-7692.2001.00513.x
Subject(s) - hysterosalpingography , medicine , fallopian tube , uterine cavity , saline , ultrasound , nuclear medicine , infertility , radiology , surgery , uterus , anesthesia , pregnancy , genetics , biology
Objective To compare the efficiency of air‐filled albumin microspheres (Infoson) with saline solution in determining Fallopian tube patency during hysterosalpingo contrast sonography (HyCoSy). Methods This was a prospective randomized multicenter study with a sequential design. Over a 10‐month period, 23 patients (mean age, 33 years) referred for infertility were examined by HyCoSy (saline or Infoson) before conventional hysterosalpingography (Iopamiron® 370), performed during the same session. Contrast agents were administered through a 5‐F Ackrad balloon catheter inserted transcervically into the uterine cavity. HyCoSy was performed with a 7‐MHz transvaginal probe using both B‐mode and color Doppler, and tubal patency was demonstrated by the appearance of contrast agent in the peritoneal cavity near the ovaries. Data were registered for each patient during the examination and the results were monitored by sequential analysis. Results Mean volumes of contrast injections were 35.3 mL of saline, 14.4 mL of Infoson, and 13.8 mL of Iopamiron 370. Infoson‐enhanced HyCoSy provided a significantly larger ( P = 0.006) number of correct diagnoses (20/22 Fallopian tubes) than did saline HyCoSy (12/24 Fallopian tubes), and the same number as that achieved by hysterosalpingography. Conclusion A positive ultrasound contrast agent appears to be more efficient than saline solution at determining Fallopian tube patency in infertile women by means of HyCoSy, and as efficient as an iodinated contrast agent in the same population explored by HSG. HyCoSy could be used to screen infertile women, thereby avoiding the use of iodinated contrast medium and exposure to ionizing radiation during conventional HSG in patients with patent Fallopian tubes. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology