Proportional vascularization along the fallopian tubes and ovarian fimbria: assessment by confocal microtomography.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and reconstruct three-dimensional images of vascularization along the fallopian tube (FT), as well as to determine its relationship with the ovary and ovarian fimbria, and to quantify the blood vessels along the FT according to its anatomical segments, using confocal microtomography (micro-CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine specimens (six FTs and three FTs with ovaries) were fixed in a solution of 10% formalin for > 24 h at room temperature. Iodine staining was performed by soaking the specimens in 10% Lugol's solution for 24 h. All specimens were evaluated using micro-CT. A morphometric analysis was performed on the reconstructed images to quantify the vascular distribution along the FT. RESULTS: In the FTs evaluated, the density of blood vessels was significantly greater in the fimbrial segments than in the isthmic segments (p < 0.05). The ovarian fimbria was clearly identified, demonstrating the important relationship between these vessels and the FT fimbriae. CONCLUSION: We believe that the vascularization in the fimbriae is greater than and disproportional that in the other segments of FT, and that the ovarian fimbria plays an important role in the development of that difference.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar e reconstruir imagens tridimensionais da vascularização ao longo da trompa de Falópio (TF) e sua relação com o ovário e fímbria do ovário, além de quantificar os vasos sanguíneos ao longo da TF de acordo com seus segmentos anatômicos usando microtomografia confocal (micro-TC). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Nove espécimes (seis com TFs e três com TFs e ovários) foram fixados em solução de formol a 10% por mais de 24 h à temperatura ambiente. A coloração com iodo foi realizada usando solução de Lugol a 10% durante 24 h. Todos os espécimes foram avaliados usando micro-TC. Uma análise morfométrica foi realizada nas imagens reconstruídas para quantificar a distribuição vascular ao longo da TF. RESULTADOS: A densidade dos vasos sanguíneos nas fímbrias foi significativamente aumentada em comparação ao segmento ístmico da TF (p < 0,05). A fímbria ovariana foi claramente identificada, demonstrando importante relação entre esses vasos e as fímbrias da TF. CONCLUSÃO: Acreditamos que as fímbrias apresentam vascularização aumentada e desproporcional em comparação com os demais segmentos da TF e que a fímbria ovariana desempenha importante papel nessa diferença.

Proportional vascularization along the fallopian tubes and ovarian fimbria: assessment by confocal microtomography / Proporção vascular ao longo das tubas uterinas e fímbria ovariana: avaliação pela microtomografia confocal

Abstract Objective: To evaluate and reconstruct three-dimensional images of vascularization along the fallopian tube (FT), as well as to determine its relationship with the ovary and ovarian fimbria, and to quantify the blood vessels along the FT according to its anatomical segments, using confocal microtomography (micro-CT). Materials and Methods: Nine specimens (six FTs and three FTs with ovaries) were fixed in a solution of 10% formalin for > 24 h at room temperature. Iodine staining was performed by soaking the specimens in 10% Lugol's solution for 24 h. All specimens were evaluated using micro-CT. A morphometric analysis was performed on the reconstructed images to quantify the vascular distribution along the FT. Results: In the FTs evaluated, the density of blood vessels was significantly greater in the fimbrial segments than in the isthmic segments (p < 0.05). The ovarian fimbria was clearly identified, demonstrating the important relationship between these vessels and the FT fimbriae. Conclusion: We believe that the vascularization in the fimbriae is greater than and disproportional that in the other segments of FT, and that the ovarian fimbria plays an important role in the development of that difference.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar e reconstruir imagens tridimensionais da vascularização ao longo da trompa de Falópio (TF) e sua relação com o ovário e fímbria do ovário, além de quantificar os vasos sanguíneos ao longo da TF de acordo com seus segmentos anatômicos usando microtomografia confocal (micro-TC). Materiais e Métodos: Nove espécimes (seis com TFs e três com TFs e ovários) foram fixados em solução de formol a 10% por mais de 24 h à temperatura ambiente. A coloração com iodo foi realizada usando solução de Lugol a 10% durante 24 h. Todos os espécimes foram avaliados usando micro-TC. Uma análise morfométrica foi realizada nas imagens reconstruídas para quantificar a distribuição vascular ao longo da TF. Resultados: A densidade dos vasos sanguíneos nas fímbrias foi significativamente aumentada em comparação ao segmento ístmico da TF (p < 0,05). A fímbria ovariana foi claramente identificada, demonstrando importante relação entre esses vasos e as fímbrias da TF. Conclusão: Acreditamos que as fímbrias apresentam vascularização aumentada e desproporcional em comparação com os demais segmentos da TF e que a fímbria ovariana desempenha importante papel nessa diferença.

The human endosalpinx: anatomical three-dimensional study and reconstruction using confocal microtomography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate in three dimensions (3D) the human endosalpinx and reconstruct its surface along its different anatomical segments, without the injection or insertion of luminal contrasts, using confocal microtomography (micro-CT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 15 fallopian tubes (FT) from 14 women in reproductive age from procedures for benign disease or sterilization were selected. The specimens were fixed in formalin and stained with Lugol solution. Micro-CT studies were conducted on the specimens using protocols adapted from biological studies, to acquire images to reconstruct in 3D the endosalpinx surface. RESULTS: From these specimens, 6 presented the intra-mural segment, 14 presented the isthmus and 15 presented the ampulla and fimbria segment of the FT. The specimen presented tissue definition, and contrast sufficient for FT endosalpinx morphological analysis and lumen definition. The intramural portion presented initially a mucosal projection toward the lumen, bending on its own axis, and increased numbers of projections towards the isthmic portion, where the projections become longer more numerous. The endosalpinx becomes more tortuous, the lumen diameter increases and the mucosal projections become more bulky in the ampullary portion, with the projections less present on the antimesenteric side. The infundibular portion is marked with the organized and predictable endosalpinx, the abdominal ostium is cleared demonstrated, with the reduction of the endosalpinx volume. The fimbria demonstrated a small relation between fringes and intratubal endosalpinx. CONCLUSIONS: Microscopic anatomy of different segments of the human FT mucosa can be analyzed and reconstructed in 3D with histological correlation using micro-CT.

Tuboperitoneal fistula, ectopic pregnancy, and remnants of fallopian tube: a confocal microtomography analysis and 3D reconstruction of human fallopian tube pathologies.

Objective: The aim of this study was to provide a three-dimensional (3D) microscopic reconstruction of morphological modifications of the fallopian tube (FT) following surgical sterilization (including tuboperitoneal fistula) and ectopic pregnancy (EP) using confocal microtomography (micro-CT). Methods: Six specimens of FT from elective and emergency surgeries were selected: three remnants of the FT (RFT) from surgical sterilization, including one presenting tuboperitoneal fistula, and three FTs with EP. The specimens were fixed in formalin and stained with Lugol solution. Micro-CT studies were conducted on the specimens using protocols adapted from biological studies. Results: Three RFTs from surgical sterilization and three FTs affected by EPs were successfully scanned using micro-CT. There was good contrast impregnation, allowing tissue segmentation and analysis of different sections of the FTs. Three FT specimens from EP exhibited considerable distortion of the tubal anatomy, mainly from the blood clot in the tubal abortion. Three RFT specimens exhibited some features observed in traditional microscopy, such as tubal distension and loss of normal anatomical characteristics of a normal FT, and indicated the presence of a tuboperitoneal fistula in one of the three specimens. Conclusion: Micro-CT can identify morphological characteristics of FT pathologies previously described in a microscopic scale, with tissue contrast and the possibility of 3D reconstruction. Micro-CT is also useful in guiding traditional sectioning of specimens for histopathological studies.