Advancements in the application of uterine ultrasound elastography.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article reviews recent advances in ultrasound elastography in diagnosing and evaluating the normal nongravid uterus and the infertile uterus in the gynecologic patient. RECENT FINDINGS: Focusing on the most recent primary literature, studies have demonstrated new findings among a breadth of gynecologic clinical settings. Studies in the nongravid uterus have found that menopausal status, age, and menstrual phase have not been associated with changes in uterine tissue stiffness. Focusing on myometrial disease, there have been conflicting data regarding the ability to distinguish uterine fibroids from adenomyosis. One area of expanding research surrounding uterine elastography includes the infertile population, where ongoing studies attempt to provide a predictive model using shear wave elastography (SWE) in patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization. SUMMARY: Ultrasound elastography has become an increasingly studied and utilized tool in assessing physiologic and pathologic processes in the field of gynecology. Evaluating tissue stiffness through strain and SWE can serve to improve diagnosis of various uterine and cervical lesions, as well as prognosticate outcomes after fertility treatments. This growing area of research will continue to establish the role and application of ultrasound elastography into clinical practice.

Impact of oil-based contrast agents in hysterosalpingography on fertility outcomes in endometriosis: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that oil-based contrast agents used during hysterosalpingography (HSG) in infertile patients can enhance fertility. However, limited research has investigated the effect of oil-based contrast medium specifically in individuals with endometriosis-related infertility. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the impact of oil-based contrast medium on fertility outcomes in women with endometriosis-related infertility. METHODS: Conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University (January 2020 to June 2022), the study included 512 patients undergoing HSG. Patients were categorized into oil-based and non-oil-based groups, and after propensity score matching, demographic characteristics were compared. Main outcomes included clinical pregnancy rates, live birth rates, early miscarriage rates, and ectopic pregnancy rates. RESULTS: In our analysis, the Oil-based group showed significantly better outcomes compared to the Non-oil-based group. Specifically, the Oil-based group had higher clinical pregnancy rates (51.39% vs. 27.36%) and increased live birth rates (31.48% vs. 19.93%). This trend held true for expectant treatment, IUI, and IVF/ICSI, except for surgical treatment where no significant difference was observed. After adjusting for various factors using propensity score matching, the Non-oil-based group consistently exhibited lower clinical pregnancy rates compared to the Oil-based group. The Odds Ratio (OR) was 0.38 (95%CI: 0.27-0.55) without adjustment, 0.34 (0.22-0.51) in multivariable analysis, 0.39 (0.27-0.57) using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), and 0.22 (0.14-0.35) in propensity score matching. CONCLUSION: Oil-based contrast medium used in HSG for women with endometriosis-related infertility is associated with higher clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates compared to Non-oil-based contrast medium.

Outpatient hysteroscopy impact on subsequent assisted reproductive technology: a systematic review and meta-analysis in patients with normal transvaginal sonography or hysterosalpingography images.

BACKGROUND: Standard management for intrauterine lesions typically involves initial imaging followed by operative hysteroscopy for suspicious findings. However, the efficacy of routine outpatient hysteroscopy in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) remains uncertain due to a lack of decisive high-quality evidence. This study aimed to determine whether outpatient hysteroscopy is beneficial for infertile women who have unremarkable imaging results prior to undergoing ART. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines, incorporating data up to May 31, 2023, from databases such as PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The primary outcome assessed was the live birth rate, with secondary outcomes including chemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy rates, and miscarriage rates. Statistical analysis involved calculating risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals and assessing heterogeneity with the I2 statistic. RESULTS: The analysis included ten randomized control trials. Receiving outpatient hysteroscopy before undergoing ART was associated with increased live birth (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.03-1.45, I2 61%) and clinical pregnancy rate (RR 1.27 95% CI 1.10-1.47, I2 53%). Miscarriage rates did not differ significantly (RR 1.25, CI 0.90-1.76, I2 50%). Subgroup analyses did not show a significant difference in clinical pregnancy rates when comparing normal versus abnormal hysteroscopic findings (RR 1.01, CI 0.78-1.32, I2 38%). We analyzed data using both intention-to-treat and per-protocol approaches, and our findings were consistent across both analytical methods. CONCLUSIONS: Office hysteroscopy may enhance live birth and clinical pregnancy rates in infertile women undergoing ART, even when previous imaging studies show no apparent intrauterine lesions. Treating lesions not detected by imaging may improve ART outcomes. The most commonly missed lesions are endometrial polyps, submucosal fibroids and endometritis, which are all known to affect ART success rates. The findings suggested that hysteroscopy, given its diagnostic accuracy and patient tolerability, should be considered in the management of infertility. DATABASE REGISTRATION: The study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systemic Review database (CRD42023476403).

Hysterosalpingography: a step up for dose reduction.

AIM: To evaluate the efficiency of last image capture in interpreting a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) when compared to conventional spot views; to confirm its validity in showing pathology; to establish its use as the preferred method; and to decrease the radiation dose to the patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of women aged ≥18 years. A standard technique was performed including additional five last image capture after each spot view. Every patient had two stacks of images, one with the exposure film and one with the last image capture. The images were interpreted separately (high-dose versus low-dose) and blindly by two radiologists with different levels of training assessing for uterine abnormalities, fallopian tube abnormalities, peritoneal spillage, and incidental findings. Inter-reading variability was calculated using Kohen's kappa. RESULTS: Discrepancies between exposure film and last image capture were detected in only a minority of cases for all variables. Except for the presence of strictures, there was at least substantial agreement between the readers and almost perfect agreement regarding peritoneal spillage and fallopian tube patency, both on exposure film and last image capture. CONCLUSION: Reduction in radiation dose without compromising the diagnostic efficacy of HSG is mandatory. If the study is of sufficient quality and deemed negative on last image capture, conventional spot view can be avoided. If further detail is required, standard spot views can still be obtained. Using last image capture instead of spot films has the potential to reduce the overall radiation dose by up to 78%.

Contrast Agent Reflux in Transvaginal 4-D Hysterosalpingo-Contrast Sonography: Influencing Factors and Coping Strategies.

ABSTRACT: Transvaginal 4-D hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (TV 4-D HyCoSy) plays an important role in the detection and diagnosis of clinical female infertility. The purposes of this study were to analyze the influencing factors of TV 4murD HyCoSy complicated with contrast agent reflux and to provide evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Female patients diagnosed as infertility by transvaginal hysterosalpingography from January 2021 to December 2022 were included. The characteristics of patients with and without contrast agent reflux were evaluated. Pearson correlation and logistic regression were conducted to analyze the related factors affecting the occurrence of contrast reflux. A total of 416 patients undergoing TV 4-D HyCoSy were included, and the incidence of contrast agent reflux in patients undergoing TV 4-D HyCoSy was 38.94%. Pearson correlation analysis results indicated that history of uterine cavity operation ( r = 0.556), adenomyosis of uterus ( r = 0.584), examination on less than 5 days after menstruation ( r = 0.602), endometrial thickness ( r = 0.566), and endometrial polyps ( r = 0.575) are all correlated with contrast agent reflux in patients undergoing 4-D HyCoSy (all P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that history of uterine cavity operation (odds ratio [OR], 1.109; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.012-1.872), adenomyosis of uterus (OR, 2.026; 95% CI, 1.864-2.425), examination on less than 5 days after menstruation (OR, 2.465; 95% CI, 2.118-2.851), endometrial thickness less than 6 mm (OR, 2.866; 95% CI, 2.095-2.957), and endometrial polyps (OR, 1.587; 95% CI, 1.137-1.744) were the influencing factors of contrast agent reflux in patients undergoing (all P < 0.05). The incidence of contrast agent reflux in TV 4-D HyCoSy is high, and there are many influencing factors. Clinical medical workers should take early measures based on these influencing factors to reduce the contrast agent reflux.

Utility of Repeat Uterine Cavity Evaluation in the Infertility Workup.

Background: Uterine cavity abnormalities contribute to infertility. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, recurrence rates, and risk factors for uterine cavity abnormalities in women undergoing infertility workup and treatment, focusing on the utility of routinely repeated imaging. Methods: Retrospective cohort study at single academic medical center of 833 infertile women who had uterine cavity evaluations performed at least 9 months apart. Results: Of 833 eligible patients, 664 (79.7%) had normal initial imaging and 169 (20.3%) had abnormal initial imaging. Among the former, 10% had abnormal uterine cavity on repeat saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS); among the latter, 32% had abnormal repeat SIS [Chi-square p < 0.0001, risk ratio 2.30 (95% confidence interval 1.85-2.86)]. On average, 23.1 ± 13.6 months passed between studies. Regardless of initial imaging findings, women with abnormal repeat SIS were older than those with normal repeat SIS, with no difference in time elapsed between studies. There were no associations between repeat imaging outcomes and body mass index, uterine instrumentation, number of treatment cycles, or maximum peak estradiol levels in a single cycle between studies. There was no difference in live birth rate among cycles started within 1 year after repeat SIS across groups. Conclusions: Uterine cavity abnormalities were found in 10% of patients on repeat imaging despite initially normal testing. No risk factors for cavity abnormality on repeat imaging were identified besides age and prior abnormality. It would be prudent to continue performing routine repeat uterine cavity evaluation for women undergoing fertility treatment, particularly if corrective measures had been taken in the past.

Role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of endometriosis in infertile women: Ovarian endometrioma, deep endometriosis, and superficial endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a complex chronic inflammatory process characterised by the presence of endometrial-like glandular tissue outside the uterine cavity, typically within the pelvic structures. This condition affects up to 10-15 % of women and those assigned female at birth, and can result in chronic pelvic pain and in/subfertility. Treatment goals include medical, surgical options and alternative therapies. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) is the currently recommended first line investigation for endometriosis with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reserved for those with equivocal ultrasound findings. In this paper, we aim to outline the commonly seen sonographic appearances of endometriosis divided into anterior, middle and posterior pelvic compartments. Limitations to ultrasound imaging include high operator dependence and patient factors. New imaging techniques and research into the utility of artificial intelligence (AI) into the detection of endometriosis is currently underway, with possibility of reduced diagnostic delay and better patient outcomes.

Effect of interval time between hysterosalpingography and intrauterine insemination on the pregnancy outcome of infertile patients.

Background: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is the most commonly applied tubal patency test in clinical practice. Although some studies have found an increased pregnancy rate after HSG, no studies to date have specifically characterized the effect of interval time between HSG and IUI on pregnancy outcome. Objectives: To investigate the effect of interval time between HSG and intrauterine insemination (IUI) on live birth rates of infertile patients. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. The reproductive medical record system was used to identify patients who completed ≥1 IUI cycle between January 2017 and October 2021. According to the interval time between HSG and IUI, patients were divided into three groups: <6months interval group,6-12 months interval group and >12 months interval group. The generalized estimating equation with Poisson distribution was used to estimate the risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of different groups. Results: A total of 413 patients completed 701 IUI cycles during the study period, <6months interval group, 415 cycles; 6-12 months interval group, 138 cycles; >12 months interval group, 148 cycles. The live birth rate of <6 months group was higher than other two groups (17.35% vs. 12.32% vs. 8.11%, P=0.017); Similarly, the clinical pregnancy rate of <6 months group was also higher than other two groups (19.76% vs. 14.49% vs.11.49%, P=0.049). When adjusted separately for FSH, AMH, infertility type, duration of infertility, infertility diagnosis, total motile count (TMC) of sperm, medications, endometrium size and dominant follicle size, the live birth rate of >12 months group severally significantly decreased by 60% (adjusted RR = 0.40, 95% CI [0.19-1.40]). The cumulative clinical pregnancy and live birth rates of <6 months group were higher than other two groups (P<0.05), but the cumulative pregnancy rate among three groups were not statistically different (log rank test: P=0.06). Conclusion: The interval time between hysterosalpingography and IUI is related to pregnancy outcome. The clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were the highest when the time interval was less than 6 months. Therefore, IUI should be recommend as soon as possible after HSG if the patient couple meets the IUI indication.

Endometrial receptivity change: ultrasound evaluation on ovulation day and transplantation day during the natural frozen embryo transfer cycle.

Objective: To obtain quantitative and comprehensive results of the changes in comprehensive ER indicators from ovulation day to transplantation day by ultrasonography during the natural frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle (FET). Methods: This is a prospective analysis of 230 infertile women undergoing their first FET cycles from April 2019 to July 2021. To evaluate ER, ultrasound scans were performed on the days of ovulation and embryo transfer for all included patients. All included patients were divided into a pregnancy group and a nonpregnancy group according to whether clinical pregnancy was achieved. The ER changes from ovulation day to transplantation day in the overall study population (n=230), pregnancy group (n=158) and nonpregnancy group (n=72) were analyzed. Results: In the overall population, type C was predominant on ovulation day, but type B was the most common on transplantation day (P<0.001). From ovulation day to transplantation day, endometrial thickness was significantly increased (11.26 ± 2.14 vs. 11.89 ± 2.08 mm, P<0.001), but endometrial volume (4.26 ± 1.75 vs. 4.03 ± 1.62 ml, P<0.001), endometrial VI (1.34 ± 1.64 vs. 0.95 ± 1.99, P<0.001), VFI (0.47 ± 0.72 vs. 0.40 ± 1.03, P<0.001), subendometrial VI (5.04 ± 3.89 vs. 3.29 ± 2.92, P<0.001), FI (34.07 ± 4.61 vs. 33.41 ± 5.30, p=0.004), VFI (2.07 ± 2.65 vs. 1.19 ± 1.19, P<0.001) and frequency of endometrial peristalsis (2.90 ± 1.44 vs. 1.40 ± 1.41, P<0.001) were significantly decreased. In the pregnancy group, the changes in all ultrasound parameters were in the same direction as those in the overall population. In the nonpregnancy group, except for endometrial volume and VI, which showed no difference, other ultrasound parameters showed the same direction of change as those in the overall population. No significant difference was found in the pregnancy probability among the different absolute change groups. Conclusion: During a natural cycle, the morphology of the endometrium changes mostly from type C to type B, the endometrial thickness increases, and the volume decreases. The blood supply of the endometrium, the subendometrial 5 mm and the frequency of peristalsis decrease from ovulation day to transplantation day. Compared with the nonpregnancy group, the pregnancy group tended to have more obvious decreases in endometrial volume and blood flow perfusion. However, these endometrial changes do not mean that pregnancy is bound to occur. endometrial receptivity, in vitro fertilization, frozen-thawed embryo transfer, natural cycle, ultrasound evaluation, ovulation day, transplantation day.

The use of real time strain endometrial elastosonography plus endometrial thickness and vascularization flow index to predict endometrial receptivity in IVF treatments: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of endometrium strain elastosonography (SE) for the evaluation of endometrial receptivity in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) remains controversial. The objective of this prospective, observational study was to evaluate the correlation between endometrial thickness (EMT) and its related strain (ESR) on the day of ovulation triggering (hCG-d) and in vitro fertilization outcomes. Additionally, 3D Power Doppler vascular indices (3DPDVI) were also analysed. METHODS: We included all the patients undergoing fresh IVF-single blastocyst transfer cycle from January 2021 to August 2021 at our center. On hCG-d, after B-mode scanning was completed to measure the EMT, the mode was changed to elastosonography to evaluate the ESR (ratio between endometrial tissue and the myometrium below). At the end of examination, the Endometrial Volume (EV) and 3DPDVI (vascularization index [VI], flow index [FI] and vascularization flow index [VFI]), were assessed. Statistical analysis was completed using STATA MP16 software. RESULTS: A total number of 57 women were included. Based on the EMT on hCG-d, women were divided into two groups, Group 1: <7 mm and Group 2 ≥ 7 mm. Women with EMT < 7 mm had a significantly higher ESR (p = 0.004) and lower pregnancy rate (p = 0.04). Additionally, low ESR values were correlated with high VFI values (rho = -0.8; 95% CI = -0.9- -0.6; p < 0.0001) and EMT ≥ 7 mm could be predicted by low ESR (OR = 0.01; 95% CI = 0.01-0.30; p = 0.008, area under the ROC curve: 0.70). After all, in multiple logistic regression analysis, low values of ESR (p = 0.050) and high values of EMT (p = 0.051) on hCG-d had borderline statistical effects on pregnancy rate. CONCLUSIONS: The ESR may be useful to improve the ultrasound evaluation of the endometrial quality in infertile women candidates to IVF/ICS. Given the small sample size of our study, the usefulness of strain elastosonography in this patients, needs further investigation.

High prevalence of chronic endometritis is associated with metabolic abnormality and reduced live birth rate among IVF women with non-uniform endometrial echogenicity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of chronic endometritis (CE) among women with non-uniform endometrial echogenicity, and to evaluate the association between CE and metabolic characteristics as well as pregnancy outcomes in the subsequent frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: University-based hospitals and an academic medical center. PATIENTS: A total of 315 patients included in this research underwent hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy before the first FET cycle after whole embryos freezing. Patients were divided into CE (histopathologic CE or hysteroscopic CE) and non-CE groups. INTERVENTION(S): Freeze-all strategy, hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Baseline and cycle characteristics, hysteroscopic, and histopathological profile, as well as pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: The prevalence of histopathologic CE and hysteroscopic CE were 78.1% and 34.9%, respectively. CE was associated with higher homocysteine level and BMI, independent of insulin response and dyslipidemia. High homocysteine level and BMI were risk factors for histopathologic CE (OR: 1.182; 95% CI: 1.01-1.384; p = .037) and hysteroscopic CE (OR: 1.117; 95% CI: 1.041-1.199; p = .002), respectively. Histopathologic CE was a risk factor for live birth (OR:2.167; 95% CI: 1.037-4.525; p = .04), and hysteroscopic CE was an independent risk factor for both live birth (OR: 4.239; 95% CI: 1.929-9.313; p = .001) and cumulative live birth (OR: 3.963; 95% CI: 1.875-8.376; p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Infertile women with non-uniform endometrial echogenicity have a high prevalence of CE which significantly reduces the live birth rate. Diagnosing CE by hysteroscopy is important to assess the cumulative probability of pregnancy in IVF patients.

Imaging of Uterine Transplantation.

Uterus transplantation (UTx) is a novel procedure being studied as a treatment of absolute uterine factor infertility. Imaging plays an important role throughout the life cycle of a uterus transplant. In this review, we will first describe the surgical technique of UTx. The article will then focus on the importance of imaging in the evaluation of potential recipients and donors and during the immediate post-surgical time course as graft viability is established. Imaging as part of including in vitro fertilization, pregnancy, and complications will also be discussed.

Intraoperative Three-Dimensional Transvaginal Ultrasound for Hysteroscopic Metroplasty: a Controlled Study.

This study aims to evaluate the role of intraoperative transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) during hysteroscopic metroplasty. This is a prospective cohort of consecutive patients with septate uterus undergoing hysteroscopic metroplasty with intraoperative transvaginal 3DUS guidance compared to a historical control group of patients undergoing hysteroscopic metroplasty without 3DUS. We conducted our research in a tertiary care university hospital in Rome, Italy. This study involved nineteen patients undergoing 3DUS-guided hysteroscopic metroplasty for recurrent abortion or infertility compared to 19 age-matched controls undergoing metroplasty without 3DUS guidance. During hysteroscopic metroplasty, 3DUS was performed in the study group when the operator considered the procedure to be completed, according to standards of operative hysteroscopy. If 3DUS diagnosed a residual septum, the procedure was continued until a 3DUS diagnosis of a normal fundus was obtained. The patients were followed with a 3DUS performed 3 months after the procedure. The numbers of complete resections (residual septum absent), suboptimal resections (measurable residual septum of less than 10 mm), and incomplete resections (residual septum > 10 mm) in the intraoperative 3DUS group were compared to the numbers in the control group with no intraoperative 3DUS. At follow-up, measurable residual septa were obtained in 0% of the patients in the 3DUS-guided group versus 26% in the control group (p = 0.04). Residual septa of > 10 mm were obtained in 0% of the 3DUS group versus 10.5% in the control group (p = 0.48). Intraoperative 3DUS reduces the incidence of suboptimal septal resections at hysteroscopic metroplasty.

Different subtypes of ultrasound-diagnosed adenomyosis and in vitro fertilization outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Adenomyosis prevalence among women with infertility is increasing; their management during in vitro fertilization is usually based on ultrasound diagnosis alone. Herein, we summarize the latest evidence on the impact of ultrasound-diagnosed adenomyosis on in vitro fertilization outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was registered with The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42022355584). We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to January 31, 2023, for cohort studies on the impact of adenomyosis on in vitro fertilization outcomes. Fertility outcomes were compared according to the presence of adenomyosis as diagnosed by ultrasound, concurrent endometriosis and adenomyosis, and MRI-based or MRI- and ultrasound-based adenomyosis diagnosis. Live birth rate was the primary outcome while clinical pregnancy and miscarriage rates were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Women diagnosed with adenomyosis by ultrasound had lower live birth (odds ratio [OR] = 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53-0.82, grade: very low), lower clinical pregnancy (OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.53-0.77, grade: very low), and higher miscarriage (OR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.35-2.44, grade: very low) rates than those without adenomyosis. Notably, symptomatic and diffuse, but not asymptomatic adenomyosis as diagnosed by ultrasound, adversely affected in vitro fertilization outcomes, with lower live birth (OR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.34-0.96, grade: very low), clinical pregnancy (OR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.57-0.85, grade: low), and miscarriage (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.28-4.82, grade: low) rates; and lower live birth (OR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.23-0.59, grade: low) and clinical pregnancy (OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.34-0.75, grade: low), but not miscarriage rate (OR = 2.18; 95% CI: 0.72-6.62, grade: very low), respectively. Concurrent adenomyosis in endometriosis is associated with a significantly lower live birth rate (OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.26-0.75, grade: low) than endometriosis alone. Finally, the use of MRI-based or MRI- and ultrasound-based adenomyosis diagnosis showed no significant association with in vitro fertilization outcomes (grade: very low for all outcomes). CONCLUSIONS: Considering ultrasound findings, symptoms, and different subtypes of adenomyosis may aid in offering personalized counseling, improving treatment decisions, and achieving better outcomes of in vitro fertilization.

Diagnostic accuracy of pelvis multiparametric MRI against CT virtual hysterosalpingography: a prospective study of tubal patency through female infertility assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MRI-hysterosalpingogram (HSG) with semiquantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion, against the virtual multislice CT hysterosalpingogram (VHSG) as a reference standard. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this prospective study, 26 women (age >18 years) searching for infertility causes and with VHSG physician request. Thereafter, the assessment performance of both techniques was determined by two reader analyses. k statistics were used for the assessment of tubal patency. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to compare the capability for tubal patency assessment between both exams on a per-patient and per-tube basis. The McNemar test was used to compare the diagnostic accuracy measures. RESULTS: Tubal patency, uterine morphological, ovarian, and extrauterine abnormalities were evaluated through both exams in all 26 women. There was no significant difference between diagnostic performance measurements between the methods. The ROC curve of VHSG was 0.852 for both per-patient and per-tube analyses, and one and 0.938 for MRI-HSG. Sensitivity and specificity for per-patient and per-tube for VHSG were 95.2 and 97.7, 80 and 87.5%, and for MRI-HSG 100% for both analyses and 100 and 87.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the feasibility of diagnosing tubal patency through MRI, using a semi-quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion sequence, and the satisfactory diagnosing of the uterine morphology, ovarian abnormalities, and ovarian and deep endometriosis. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Multiparametric MRI with a perfusion real-time sequence as a HSG method can be used in the evaluation not only for uterine and ovarian abnormilities but also tubal patency.

Risk Factors of Contrast Agent Intravasation With Sulfur Hexafluoride Microbubble During Hysterosalpingo-Contrast Sonography.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the risk factors of sulfur hexafluoride microbubble contrast agent intravasation during hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy), and to explore a simple prediction model by the obvious clinical history. METHODS: This was a retrospective study included 299 infertility women who had undergone HyCoSy examination from July 1, 2018 to June 31, 2019. The factors were recorded, including age, endometrial thickness, balloon length, infertility type, history of intrauterine surgery, history of pelvic surgery, and tubal patency. The method of multivariate logistic regression analysis was adopted to analyze the risk factors affecting the contrast agent intravasation, and the receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to test their efficacy. RESULTS: Secondary infertility, a history of intrauterine surgery, thin endometrial thickness, and tubal obstruction were all risk factors of the occurrence of intravasation (P < .05). And the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the multifactor-combined prediction model of the intravasation was significantly larger than that of single-factor. CONCLUSIONS: Sonographers and gynecologists should be familiar with the risk factors of intravasation and select the appropriate timing of HyCoSy toward reducing the occurrence of intravasation and other complications after thoroughly explaining and communicating with the patients.

Cost-effectiveness modelling of three different hysterosalpingography diagnostic strategies in addition to standard fertility management for couples with unexplained infertility in the United Kingdom.

Previous studies have demonstrated hysterosalpingography (HSG) in general, and specifically with an oil-soluble contrast medium, directly increases pregnancy rates. Decision modelling was performed to compare fertility management using three HSG diagnostic strategies: (i) water-soluble contrast medium (WSCM)-HSG; (ii) Lipiodol® Ultra Fluid (LUF)-HSG; and (iii) No HSG, for women aged ≤39 years with unexplained infertility. Four reimbursement scenarios were modelled to reflect the various funding arrangements across the regions of the United Kingdom. Compared with WSCM-HSG, the live birth rates after 24 months increased by 3.4% with LUF-HSG and decreased by 2.7% with no HSG. From a patient perspective, fertility management with LUF-HSG is the most cost-effective strategy with cost-savings ranging from £299 to £857 per patient depending on the funding arrangement for IVF. From an NHS perspective, fertility management with LUF-HSG is cost-effective when 2 or more IVF cycles are NHS-funded. If none of the IVF cycles are NHS-funded, fertility management with LUF-HSG can be considered cost-effective if society is willing to pay £8,353 for an additional live birth. The findings from this analysis suggest that fertility management with WSCM-HSG is cost-effective compared to no HSG and LUF-HSG is the most cost-effective with increased live birth rates after 24 months.

Hysterosalpingographic, ultrasonographic and clinical profile of infertile women in Butembo, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Introduction: infertility is a reproductive health issue in modern society. In developing countries, ultrasonography and hysterosalpingography (HSG) are first-line exams investigating infertility in women. It is a highly reported issue in Africa and is linked to abnormalities diagnosed by medical imagery investigations. Our research aimed to evaluate ultrasonography and HSG usage in female infertility investigation in eastern DR Congo, and to point out the most frequent lesions in infertile women in this area. Methods: it was a cross-sectional research. It included 1024 patients in four equipped hospitals with HSG and ultrasonography, who consulted from January 1st, 2019 up to December 31st, 2021. Data were collected from consultation dossiers and imagery protocols. Results: of 1024 patients, the mean age was 30.85±5.05 years, 41.79 % (n=428) had primary infertility and 57.71% (n=591) had secondary infertility with parity ranges 1.28±1.25, abortion 1.17±1.33. HSG usage rate was 26.85% (n=275) whereas ultrasonography was 66.01%(n=749). The prevalent diagnosed lesions were uterine myomas 10.51 % (n=71), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) 8.28%(n=56), endometrial dysplasia 7.99% (n=54), ovarian cysts 5.03% (n=34) at ultrasonography and tubal obstructions 53.45 %(n=147), hydrosalpinx 4.73% (n=13), cervical impotence 3.27% (n=9), uterine synechias 2.55%(n=7), müllerian abnomalies 2.55%(n=7), uterine retroversion 2.18% (n=6) at HSG. History of upper genital infection was a risk factor aOR= 3.71, 95%CI 1,55-8,88; p <0.001 for tubal obstruction to HSG. Conclusion: regarding the high prevalence of tubal and uterine abnormalities in infertile women of eastern DR Congo, ultrasonography, and HSG should be more performed exams in clinical practice in low-income countries.

Comparison between X-ray-hysterosalpingography and 3 Tesla magnetic resonance-hysterosalpingography in the assessment of the tubal patency in the cause of female infertility.

OBJECTIVES: XR-hysterosalpingography currently represents the gold standard for tubal pathology evaluation. Magnetic resonance-HSG is an innovative technique. With our study, we aim to comprehend if and how MR-HSG, compared to traditional XR-HSG, could give us this additional information in the diagnostic/therapeutic process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 19 patients between 30 and 42 years old (average age 37.7) affected by infertility. Patients underwent contextually both XR-HSG and MR-HSG, using a single catheterization. The dynamic MR-HSG exam consisted a MR sequence during contrast administration through the cervical catheter. RESULTS: Both XR-HSG and MR-HSG documented that 15 of the 19 patients had bilateral tubal patency, while four patients had monolateral tubal patency. However, MR-HSG allowed us to diagnose additional findings: Two active endometriosis foci in adnexal localization and a condition of adenomyosis A unicornuate uterus malformation A submucous uterine myoma near the tubal ostium A decrease of the ovarian reserve in a patient So MR-HSG could potentially detect in 10/19 (52%) women the cause of their infertility, compared to 4/19 (21%) detected with XR-HSG and about 30% of women would have resulted as false negatives if we only used XR-HSG. Finally, with a questionnaire, we demonstrated that MR-HSG is less painful than XR-HSG. CONCLUSIONS: These data thus confirm that XR-HSG and MR-HSG present the same diagnostic of assessing tubal patency. We also demonstrated that MR-HSG is able to detect further collateral findings that could likewise be a possible therapeutic target and it could possibly become the new gold standard in female infertility diagnostics.