Optimizing evaluation of endometrial receptivity in recurrent pregnancy loss: a preliminary investigation integrating radiomics from multimodal ultrasound via machine learning.

Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) frequently links to a prolonged endometrial receptivity (ER) window, leading to the implantation of non-viable embryos. Existing ER assessment methods face challenges in reliability and invasiveness. Radiomics in medical imaging offers a non-invasive solution for ER analysis, but complex, non-linear radiomic-ER relationships in RPL require advanced analysis. Machine learning (ML) provides precision for interpreting these datasets, although research in integrating radiomics with ML for ER evaluation in RPL is limited. Objective: To develop and validate an ML model that employs radiomic features derived from multimodal transvaginal ultrasound images, focusing on improving ER evaluation in RPL. Methods: This retrospective, controlled study analyzed data from 346 unexplained RPL patients and 369 controls. The participants were divided into training and testing cohorts for model development and accuracy validation, respectively. Radiomic features derived from grayscale (GS) and shear wave elastography (SWE) images, obtained during the window of implantation, underwent a comprehensive five-step selection process. Five ML classifiers, each trained on either radiomic, clinical, or combined datasets, were trained for RPL risk stratification. The model demonstrating the highest performance in identifying RPL patients was selected for further validation using the testing cohort. The interpretability of this optimal model was augmented by applying Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) analysis. Results: Analysis of the training cohort (242 RPL, 258 controls) identified nine key radiomic features associated with RPL risk. The extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model, combining radiomic and clinical data, demonstrated superior discriminatory ability. This was evidenced by its area under the curve (AUC) score of 0.871, outperforming other ML classifiers. Validation in the testing cohort of 215 subjects (104 RPL, 111 controls) confirmed its accuracy (AUC: 0.844) and consistency. SHAP analysis identified four endometrial SWE features and two GS features, along with clinical variables like age, SAPI, and VI, as key determinants in RPL risk stratification. Conclusion: Integrating ML with radiomics from multimodal endometrial ultrasound during the WOI effectively identifies RPL patients. The XGBoost model, merging radiomic and clinical data, offers a non-invasive, accurate method for RPL management, significantly enhancing diagnosis and treatment.

The importance of the 'uterine factor' in recurrent pregnancy loss: a retrospective cohort study on women screened through 3D transvaginal ultrasound.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the prevalence of congenital and acquired anomalies of the uterus in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) of unknown etiology examined using 3D transvaginal ultrasound (US)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Depending on the adopted diagnostic criteria, the prevalence of partial septate uterus varies between 7% and 14% and a T-shaped uterus is 3% or 4%, while adenomyosis is 23%, at least one of type 0, type 1 or type 2 myoma is 4%, and at least one endometrial polyp is 4%. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: ESHRE and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidelines on RPL recommend the adoption of the 3D transvaginal US to evaluate the 'uterine factor'. Nevertheless, there are no published studies reporting the prevalence of both congenital and acquired uterine anomalies as assessed by 3D transvaginal US and diagnosed according to the criteria proposed by the most authoritative panels of experts in a cohort of women with RPL. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This was a retrospective cohort study including 442 women with at least two previous first-trimester spontaneous pregnancy losses (i.e. non-viable intrauterine pregnancies), who referred to the obstetrics and gynecology unit of two university hospitals between July 2020 and July 2023. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Records of eligible women were reviewed. Women could be included in the study if: they were between 25 and 42 years old; they had no relevant comorbidities; they were not affected by infertility, and they had never undergone ART; they and their partner tested negative to a comprehensive RPL diagnostic work-up; and they had never undergone metroplasty, myomectomy, minimally invasive treatments for uterine fibroids or adenomyomectomy. Expert sonographers independently re-analyzed the stored 2- and 3D transvaginal US images of all included patients. Congenital uterine anomalies (CUAs) were reported according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) 2021, the ESHRE/European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) and the Congenital Uterine Malformation by Experts (CUME) criteria. Acquired uterine anomalies were reported according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and the Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) criteria. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The partial septate uterus was diagnosed in 60 (14%; 95% CI: 11-17%), 29 (7%; 95% CI: 5-9%), and 47 (11%; 95% CI: 8-14%) subjects, according to the ESHRE/ESGE, the ASRM 2021, and the CUME criteria, respectively. The T-shaped uterus was diagnosed in 19 women (4%; 95% CI: 3-7%) according to the ESHRE/ESGE criteria and in 13 women (3%; 95% CI: 2-5%) according to the CUME criteria. The borderline T-shaped uterus (diagnosed when two out of three CUME criteria for T-shaped uterus were met) was observed in 16 women (4%; 95% CI: 2-6%). At least one of FIGO type 0, type 1, or type 2 myoma was detected in 4% of included subjects (95% CI: 3-6%). Adenomyosis was detected in 100 women (23%; 95% CI: 19-27%) and was significantly more prevalent in women with primary RPL and in those with three or more pregnancy losses. At least one endometrial polyp was detected in 4% of enrolled women (95% CI: 3-7%). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The absence of a control group prevented us from investigating the presence of an association between both congenital and acquired uterine anomalies and RPL. Second, the presence as well as the absence of both congenital and acquired uterine anomalies detected by 3D US was not confirmed by hysteroscopy. Finally, the results of the present study inevitably suffer from the intrinsic limitations of the adopted classification systems. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The prevalence of CUAs in women with RPL varies depending on the classification system used. For reasons of clarity, the US reports should always state the name of the uterine anomaly as well as the adopted classification and diagnostic criteria. Adenomyosis seems to be associated with more severe forms of RPL. The prevalence rates estimated by our study as well as the replicability of the adopted diagnostic criteria provide a basis for the design and sample size calculation of prospective studies. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): No specific funding was used. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Type and Location of Adenomyosis in Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Transvaginal Ultrasonographic Assessment.

The current knowledge on adenomyosis as a risk factor for RPL is very scant. Overall 120 women were included in this retrospective observational study. They were divided in three groups each of which consisted of 40 subjects: Group 1: women with RPL who were diagnosed to have adenomyosis on transvaginal ultrasound (TVS); Group 2: patients with RPL without ultrasonographic findings of adenomyosis; Group 3: patients with ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis without RPL and at least one live birth pregnancy. The copresence of endometriosis was also investigated. Among women with RPL, patients with adenomyosis (Group 1) had higher number of pregnancy losses (p = 0.03) and lower age at first pregnancy loss (p = 0.03) than women without adenomyosis (Group 2). Moreover, they had more frequently primary RPL (p = 0.008). Adenomyosis of the inner myometrium was found more frequently (p = 0.04) in patients of Group 1 than in patients of Group 3 in which adenomyosis was mainly in the outer myometrium (p= 0.02). No differences were found in the severity of adenomyosis between these two groups of women. TVS findings for endometriosis were observed more frequently in women with adenomyosis without RPL (Group 3) than in the other two groups of patients. Adenomyosis can be a factor involved in RPL. Differences in adenomyosis localization are associated with different risks for RPL. Patients with RPL should be investigated for the presence of adenomyosis and also for the type and localization of the disease in the different myometrial layers.

Uterine factors in recurrent pregnancy losses.

Congenital and acquired uterine anomalies are associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Relevant congenital Müllerian tract anomalies include unicornuate, bicornuate septate, and arcuate uterus. Recurrent pregnancy loss has also been associated with acquired uterine abnormalities that distort the uterine cavity such as, notably, intrauterine adhesions, polyps, and submucosal myomas. Initial evaluation of women with RPLs should include an assessment of the uterine anatomy. Even if proof of efficacy of surgical management of certain uterine anomalies is often lacking for managing RPLs, surgery should be encouraged in certain circumstances for improving subsequent pregnancy outcome. Uterine anomalies such as uterine septa, endometrial polyps, intrauterine adhesions, and submucosal myomas are the primary surgical indications for managing RPLs.

Atualidades em perda gestacional de repetição: definição, diagnóstico e propedêutica / Current guidelines for recurrent pregnancy loss: definition, diagnostic tests and investigation

Classicamente, a perda gestacional de repetição (PGR) é a ocorrência de três ou mais perdas consecutivas antes de 20 semanas de gestação. Entretanto, as diretrizes para definição, propedêutica e tratamento são controversas. As causas de PGR podem ser multifatoriais e incluem alterações anatômicas do útero, distúrbios endócrinos, alterações imunológicas, infecções, alterações genéticas, obesidade materna, entre outras. Entretanto, na maioria dos casos, a causa de PGR é desconhecida. Os protocolos para o diagnóstico de PGR variam muito e são direcionados à pesquisa de possíveis fatores causais. Neste artigo foi realizada uma revisão e comparação das últimas diretrizes para diagnóstico e propedêutica das causas de PGR da Sociedade Europeia de Reprodução Humana e Embriologia (ESHRE), da Sociedade Americana de Medicina Reprodutiva (ASRM) e do Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).(AU)

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is traditionally defined by the occurrence of three or more consecutive losses before 20 weeks of gestation. The guidelines for definition, investigations and treatments are controversial. The causes of RPL can be multifactorial and includes structural uterine anomalies, endocrine alterations, immunological dysfunction, infections, genetic anomalies, maternal obesity, among others. However, in most cases the cause of RPL is unknown. The diagnosis protocols of RPL vary widely and causal factors are the major goal. In this article, we review and compare the latest RPL diagnosis and investigations guidelines, including the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the UK Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).(AU)

Uterine artery flow velocity waveform (FVW) type and subednometrial vascularity in recurrent pregnancy loss.

Purpose: To assess the subendometrial and uterine artery blood flow and pattern of the waveform of the uterine artery in cases of recurrent pregnancy loss compared with normal controls.Subjects and methods: Fifty women with a history of two or more successive pregnancy losses were investigated by Doppler transvaginal ultrasound to assess the subendometrial blood flow resistance index (RI), type of Doppler waveform of the uterine artery, and uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) in the mid-luteal phase. Fifty normal women acted as controls.Results: Subendometrial blood flow RI and uterine artery PI were higher in cases than controls. The majority of cases of recurrent pregnancy loss had a waveform pattern of A, or loss of diastolic flow, whereas the controls were mainly C wave.Conclusions: Some sort of endometrial and subendometrial ischemia can be suggested in cases of recurrent pregnancy loss, waveform pattern of uterine artery changes may be used to monitor changes in vascularity of endometrium if vascular enhancers are given in such cases.

Uterine factor in recurrent pregnancy loss.

OBJECTIVE: To review the current understanding of the role the uterus plays in recurrent pregnancy loss. FINDINGS: Congenital and acquired uterine abnormalities are associated with recurrent pregnancy loss in the first and second trimester. Relevant congenital Mullerian tract anomalies include unicornuate, didelphys, bicornuate and septate uteri. Pregnancy loss has also been associated with acquired uterine abnormalities that distort the uterine cavity such as intrauterine adhesions and submucosal myomas. Initial evaluation of women with recurrent pregnancy loss should include a uterine assessment such as a pelvic ultrasound or sonohysterography. Uterine abnormalities such as uterine septum, intrauterine adhesions and submucosal myomas may be managed surgically with operative hysteroscopy. CONCLUSION: Uterine abnormalities, both congenital and acquired, can be responsible for recurrent pregnancy loss.

Comparison of the prevalence of chronic endometritis as determined by means of different diagnostic methods in women with and without reproductive failure.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of chronic endometritis (CE) when different diagnostic methods are used. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENT(S): Four groups of women were studied, including women with proven fertility (Fertile; n = 40), unexplained recurrent miscarriage (RM; n = 93), recurrent implantation failure (RIF; n = 39), and infertile subjects undergoing endometrial scratch in a natural cycle preceding frozen-thawed embryo transfer (Infertility; n = 48). INTERVENTION(S): Endometrial biopsy was performed precisely 7 days after LH surge (LH+7). Plasma cells were identified by means of traditional hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and by means of immunohistochemistry (IHC) for Syndecan-1 (CD138). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Prevalence of CE. RESULT(S): The use of CD138 epitope was more sensitive than HE staining in identifying plasma cells. The use of plasma cell count per unit area had the lowest observer variability compared with cell count per ten randomly chosen high-power fields and cell count per section. Using this method, the prevalence of CE in women with RM, RIF, and Infertility were 10.8%, 7.7%, and 10.4%, respectively, not significantly higher than that of Fertile subjects (5.0%). CONCLUSION(S): Using what may be a new method of plasma cell assessment, it appears that the prevalence rates of CE reported in many earlier studies may have been overestimated. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR-IOC-16007882.

Recurrent Abortion and Tethered Cord Syndrome Caused by Anterior Sacral Meningocele: A Report of a Rare Case with a Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Anterior sacral meningocele is a rare congenital anomaly. CASE DESCRIPTION: This rare anomaly is described in a young woman who presented with recurrent abortion and later with a huge palpable mass of pelvic origin, measuring 14 × 12 cm. CONCLUSIONS: The various radiologic features, associations such as presacral dermoid as a part of incomplete Currarino syndrome, and the management options available are also discussed.

Histological Structure and Vascularity of Hysteroscopically Removed Uterine Septa in Patients With Primary Infertility and Patients With Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the histological structure and vascularity of uterine septa in patients with unexplained primary infertility and patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). DESIGN: Case-control study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Kasr Al Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Egypt. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: A total of 41 patients with uterine septa presenting with either unexplained primary infertility or RPL underwent 3-dimensional (3D) and power Doppler (PD) ultrasound to calculate the septum volume, septal vascularization index (VI), and myometrial VI. Hysteroscopically removed septa were examined histologically for myometrial and fibrous tissue content. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Septal characteristics differed between the primary infertility group (24 patients) and the RPL group (17 patients). Mean septal VI was significantly higher in the RPL group compared with the infertility group (18.39% ± 7.57% vs 11.67% ± 4.56%; p = .003), as was septal myometrial area (20.74% ± 5.97% vs 13.57% ± 5.55%; p < .001). In both groups, septal VI was strongly correlated with myometrial VI and myometrial content, but not with fibrous tissue content. CONCLUSION: Uterine septa of patients with RPL are more vascularized and contain more muscular tissue compared with those of patients with primary unexplained infertility.

Identification of key contributory factors responsible for vascular dysfunction in idiopathic recurrent spontaneous miscarriage.

Poor endometrial perfusion during implantation window is reported to be one of the possible causes of idiopathic recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (IRSM). We have tested the hypothesis that certain angiogenic and vasoactive factors are associated with vascular dysfunction during implantation window in IRSM and, therefore, could play a contributory role in making the endometrium unreceptive in these women. This is a prospective case-controlled study carried out on 66 women with IRSM and age and BMI matched 50 fertile women serving as controls. Endometrial expression of pro-inflammatory (IL-1ß, TNF-α, IFN-γ, TGF-ß1), anti-inflammatory (IL-4, -10), angiogenesis-associated cytokines (IL-2, -6, -8), angiogenic and vasoactive factors including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nitric oxide (NO) and adrenomedullin (ADM) were measured during implantation window by ELISA. Subendometrial blood flow (SEBF) was assessed by color Doppler ultrasonography. Multivariate analysis was used to identify the significant factor(s) responsible for vascular dysfunction in IRSM women during window of implantation and further correlated with vascular dysfunction. Endometrial expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and PGE2 were up-regulated and anti-inflammatory and angiogenesis-associated cytokines down-regulated in IRSM women as compared with controls. Further, the angiogenic and vasoactive factors including VEGF, eNOS, NO and ADM were found to be down-regulated and SEBF grossly affected in these women. Multivariate analysis identified IL-10, followed by VEGF and eNOS as the major factors contributing towards vascular dysfunction in IRSM women. Moreover, these factors strongly correlated with blood flow impairment. This study provides an understanding that IL-10, VEGF and eNOS are the principal key components having a contributory role in endometrial vascular dysfunction in women with IRSM. Down-regulation of these factors is also associated with impaired endometrial perfusion which possibly makes the endometrium unreceptive that may eventually cause early pregnancy loss.

Combined hysteroscopic findings and 3-dimensional reconstructed coronal view of the uterus to avoid laparoscopic assessment for inpatient hysteroscopic metroplasty: pilot study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of 3-dimensional (3D) reconstructed coronal view of the uterus and intraoperative hysteroscopic findings to avoid diagnostic laparoscopy during inpatient hysteroscopic metroplasty. DESIGN: Pilot study (Canadian Task Force classification II). SETTING: University hospital infertility clinic. PATIENTS: Fifty-nine patients with recurrent abortion and double uterine cavity with 3D sonographic diagnosis of septate uterus undergoing inpatient hysteroscopic metroplasty. INTERVENTIONS: Inpatient hysteroscopic treatment of septate uterus without laparoscopic diagnosis. In addition to sonographic observations, 2 intraoperative hysteroscopic criteria were used to confirm the diagnosis: visualization of muscular fibers and myometrial blood vessels. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Operative parameters (operative time and fluid absorption), complications (incomplete resection and uterine perforation), requirement for a second intervention, and shape of the uterine cavity at hysteroscopic follow-up. In 56 of 59 patients (94.9%), intervention was performed without complications, and in 3 cases, intervention was suspended because of intraoperative suspicion of bicornate uterus. These 3 patients underwent laparoscopy, which confirmed the diagnosis of septate uterus. In all cases, incision was considered sufficient. Postoperative diagnostic hysteroscopy in all patients showed a normal cavity (fundal notch <1 cm). CONCLUSIONS: Combined use of hysteroscopic confirming criteria and 3D sonography seems to be a reliable and simple strategy for characterizing the presence of septate uterus and to perform inpatient metroplasty usually without laparoscopic visualization of the uterine fundus.

A comparison of endometrial and subendometrial vascularity assessed by three-dimensional ultrasonography and power Doppler angiography between healthy fertile women and women with unexplained primary recurrent miscarriage.

We compared the characteristics of endometrial-subendometrial vascularity 7 days after ovulation of a natural cycle by transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasonography and power Doppler angiography between 88 patients with unexplained recurrent miscarriage and 46 healthy fertile women. Endometrial vascularization index, flow index, and vascularization flow index, as well as subendometrial vascularization index and vascularization flow index, were reduced significantly in the group with unexplained recurrent miscarriage.

Uterine natural killer cells and angiogenesis in recurrent reproductive failure.

BACKGROUND: Increased numbers of phenotypically unusual CD56(bright) CD16- uterine natural killer (uNK) cells have been associated with recurrent reproductive failure. uNK cells produce angiogenic growth factors and are potential regulators of decidual angiogenesis in early pregnancy. The final common mechanism for early pregnancy loss is thought to be early onset of the maternal circulation and excessive placental oxidative stress. We tested the hypothesis that increased uNK cells in preimplantation endometrium are associated with altered angiogenesis. METHODS: Women with recurrent reproductive failure (n = 122) were investigated with uterine artery Doppler and endometrial biopsy. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify uNK, endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells and image analysis was used to assess location, density and differentiation. RESULTS: uNK cell density was positively correlated with the formation of blood (P = 0.005, r = 0.5) and lymphatic vessels (P = 0.0001, r = 0.6), spiral arteriole smooth muscle differentiation (P = 0.01, r = 0.5) and endometrial oedema (P = 0.004). The functional effect of this was a reduced uterine artery resistance to blood flow. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that uNK cells may regulate angiogenesis in non-pregnant endometrium. The mechanisms of reproductive failure associated with increased uNK cell density appear to be increased angiogenesis and peri-implantation blood flow, which may lead to early maternal circulation and hence pregnancy failure due to excessive oxidative stress.

Three-dimensional hysterosonography versus hysteroscopy for the detection of intracavitary uterine abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE: To compare 3-dimentional hysterosonography (3-DHS) and diagnostic hysteroscopy for the evaluation of intrauterine lesions. METHODS: In this prospective study 124 women with suspected intrauterine abnormality on 2-D ultrasonography or on hysterosalpingography were scheduled to undergo hysteroscopy, 3-DHS, and 3-D power Doppler (3-DPD) examination. However, 3-DHS could not be performed in 3 of the women because of cervical stenosis. The sensitivity and specificity of 3-DHS and 3-DPD were compared with those of hysteroscopy. RESULTS: Of the 121 women found to have an intracavitary abnormality, 20 had polyps, 11 had myomas, 2 had Müllerian duct anomalies, and 6 had synechiae on hysteroscopy. There was agreement between hysteroscopy and 3-DHS in 19 of the polyp cases, 11 of the myoma cases, 2 of the Müllerian anomaly cases, and 4 of the synechiae cases. Examination with 3-DHS and 3-DPD reached a sensitivity of 91.9% and specificity of 98.8%, with a positive predictive value of 97.1% and a negative predictive value of 96.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Examination with 3-DHS and 3-DPD both allows for accurate assessment of intrauterine abnormalities.

Endometrial expression of IL-1RtI in patients undergoing miscarriage or unsuccessful IVF cycles.

This study sought to compare the endometrial expression of interleukin-1 receptor type I in patients with a history of spontaneous recurrent miscarriage and patients with unsuccessful IVF cycles. Eight patients who had undergone two or more consecutive unsuccessful IVF cycles (group I), in which at least one good quality embryo was transferred, and 18 patients with at least three spontaneous late miscarriages (group II) were included in the study. Endometrial and follicular development were evaluated by ultrasonography. Plasma concentrations were evaluated for FSH and prolactin on cycle day 3 and for progesterone on day 7 after ovulation, when an endometrial biopsy was performed; samples were cryopreserved for interleukin-1 receptor type I immunohistochemistry and embedded in paraffin for endometrial dating. Patients with no ovulation or any anomalies in hormone concentrations, uterine cavity or endometrial histology were excluded. Interleukin-1 receptor type I was expressed in the lumenal epithelium of both groups. There was a significant difference (P = 0.0357, two-tailed Fisher's exact test) in the glandular epithelium expression of interleukin-1 receptor type I between groups I (87.5% of patients) and II (38.9% of patients). Endometrial expression of interleukin-1 receptor type I does not seem to be involved in embryo implantation in IVF patients, but may play a role in spontaneous recurrent miscarriage.

[Diagnosis of uterine synechiae in patients with recurrent miscarriages: contribution of transvaginal hysterosonography]. / Diagnóstico de sinéquias uterinas por histerossonografia transvaginal.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of uterine synechiae in patients with recurrent miscarriages and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound and of hysterosonography. METHODS: Sixty non-pregnant patients with a history of at least three previous consecutive miscarriages were evaluated by transvaginal ultrasound, hysterosonography and hysteroscopy to detect uterine synechiae. Hysteroscopy was considered the gold standard. Agreement of findings disclosed by transvaginal ultrasound and by the hysterosonography were evaluated according to the Kappa coefficient and their significance was tested. Significance was established at < 0. 05 (Alpha error = 5%). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were determined for each method. RESULTS: Uterine synechiae were identified in 16 patients (26.7%). The accuracy of the transvaginal ultrasound and of the hysterosonography was 78.9% and 92.7%, respectively. When compared to the transvaginal ultrasound, hysterosonography had a much greater sensitivity (78. % vs. 20.0%) and a higher degree of agreement with hysteroscopy (Kappa = 80% vs. Kappa = 27%). CONCLUSION: For diagnosis of uterine synechiae, hysterosonography had a higher level of agreement with hysteroscopy than the transvaginal ultrasound. In patients with recurrent miscarriages transvaginal ultrasound is not recommended for the investigation of uterine synechiae because of its low sensitivity. Hysterosonography, on the other hand, seems to offer an important contribution especially because it is a simple, low-cost and accurate method for diagnosis of uterine synechiae.

Comparison of hysterosalpingography, hysterosonography and hysteroscopy in evaluation of the uterine cavity in patients with recurrent pregnancy losses.

AIM: To evaluate the accuracy and acceptability of hysterosonography (HS) in the diagnosis of uterine anomalies in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss. METHOD: Sixty non-pregnant patients with a history of at least three previous recurrent miscarriages were submitted to the HS, HSG and hysteroscopy (HTC) exams. The findings fall into three categories: synechiae, polypoid lesions and abnormal uterine cavity shape. The HTC exam was used as the gold standard. The findings of the HS and the HSG were compared to the HTC's and the agreement was evaluated using the Kappa coefficient. Significance was established at < 0.05. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were determined for each method. RESULT: Uterine anomalies were present in 38.3% (23) of the patients: 16 (26.7%) with synechiae, 3 (5.0%) with polypoid lesions and 8 (13.3%) with abnormal uterine cavity shape. Accuracy of the HS and the HSG was 90.9 and 85.2%. General sensitivity of the HS was superior to the HSG (90.5 vs. 75.0%). It also had a higher degree of agreement with the HTC (Kappa = 0.81 vs. 0.68). The HS caused significantly less pain than the other two methods. CONCLUSIONS: The HS had higher diagnostic accuracy in the detection of uterine cavity anomalies and it was better tolerated by the patients when compared to hysterosalpingography and hysteroscopy.

Anatomic factors in recurrent pregnancy loss.

Anatomic uterine defects are present in 15% of women evaluated for three or more consecutive spontaneous abortions. These anatomic abnormalities can be classified as congenital or acquired. In addition to pregnancy loss, uterine malformations appear to predispose women to other reproductive difficulties including infertility, preterm labor, and abnormal presentation. These poor reproductive outcomes resulting from uterine septum, intrauterine adhesions, polyps, and fibroids are amenable to surgical correction. Therefore, it is essential to make an accurate diagnosis to offer an adequate treatment. In this article, we review the common congenital and acquired uterine anomalies associated with recurrent pregnancy losses, and discuss contemporary diagnosis and treatment options.

Transvaginal sonohysterographic evaluation of uterine malformations.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value and the usefulness of sonohysterography (SHG) in the detection of uterine anomalies, compared with other diagnostic methods. STUDY DESIGN: From January 2002 to December 2003, we collected 54 patients with a history of primary or secondary infertility or repeated spontaneous abortion and with a clinically or sonographically suspected abnormal uterus. All patients had previously undergone hysterosalpingography (ISG). All patients were examined by standard transvaginal ultrasound. Sonohysterography was then carried out by the intrauterine injection of an isotonic saline solution. Suspected uterine anomalies were also confirmed by hysteroscopy (HS) and/or laparoscopy. RESULTS: Sonohysterography was able to detect all the anomalies. The sensitivity and specificity of sonohysterography were the same as for hysteroscopy. However, there was no significant difference between the diagnostic capabilities of the methods analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal sonohysterography with saline solution is a low-cost, easy, and helpful examination method for uterine malformations. We propose that sonohysterography should be performed for the primary investigation of infertility and repeated miscarriages.