Three-Dimensional Hysterosalpingo Contrast Sonography with Gel Foam: Methodology and Feasibility to Obtain 3-Dimensional Volumes of Tubal Shape

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the feasibility of hysterosalpingo foam sonography (HyFoSy) with automated 3-dimensional (3D) software in the evaluation of tubal patency and visualization of the tubal course by obtaining a 3D volume acquisition of tubes.

Design: Prospective observational study (Canadian Task Force classification III).

Setting: University hospital.

Patients: A total of 132 infertile females evaluated between October 2013 and February 2015.

Interventions: All patients underwent HyFoSy with the new automated 3D coded contrast imaging (CCI) followed by 2-dimensional (2D) real-time HyFoSy. To evaluate the feasibility of 3D visualization of the tubal course, consecutive volume acquisitions were performed during gel foam contrast agent injection. Conventional 2D real-time hysterosalpingo contrast sonography (HyCoSy) by detection of gel foam moving through the tubes and around the ovaries was finally performed and considered to indicate the final results of tubal status.

Measurements and main results: All the patients underwent 3D CCI HyFoSy, followed by 2D real-time HyFoSy. After both procedures, we observed 108 patients (81.8%) with bilateral tubal patency, 22 patients (16.6%) with unilateral tubal patency, and 2 patients (1.5%) with bilateral tubal occlusion. The concordance rate for tubal status between the first and second 3D volume acquisitions and the final 2D real-time evaluation was 84.8% and 97.0%, respectively.

Conclusions: Transvaginal ultrasound HyFoSy with 3D volume reconstruction of the uterus and tubes is an accurate and safe technique that allows complete visualization of tubal shape and patency with high patient compliance.

Keywords: Gel foam; Hysterosalpingo contrast sonography; Hysterosalpingo foam sonography; Three-dimensional ultrasound; Transvaginal ultrasonography; Tubal patency.