Is color Doppler necessary in the evaluation of tubal patency by hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy) and to establish whether, in doubtful cases, the additional use of transvaginal Color Doppler can improve the tubal diagnosis reached with gray scale imaging alone. STUDY DESIGN: Ninety-six cases of unknown tubal function with infertility complaints were included. Within four weeks after sonographic hydrotubation, hysterosalpingography was performed. The diagnostic efficacy of gray scale and Color Doppler were compared with each other and against HSG. RESULTS: We calculated a sensitivity value of 82.9% and a specificity value of 86.1% for both tubes. The concordance value was of 83.5%. The total number of Color Doppler examinations compared with those of HSG showed a sensitivity of 91% for the right tube and 93% for the left tube and a specificity of 100% for both tubes. CONCLUSIONS: HyCoSy provides reproducible findings for the evaluation of uterine abnormalities and tubal patency. The additional use of Color Doppler is recommended as a supplement to gray scale imagin in cases of suspected tubal occlusion.