Pregnancy rate following normal versus abnormal hysterosalpingography findings: a meta-analysis

Gynecol Obstet Invest. 1997;43(2):79-83. doi: 10.1159/000291826.

Abstract

A computerized Medline search was conducted, to assess the prognostic value of hysterosalpingography (HSG) and the probability of pregnancy after normal versus abnormal HSG findings. A total of 13 studies turned out to be eligible, reporting on 3,277 women. 15% of women with an abnormal HSG and 32% of women with a normal HSG achieved pregnancy. Sensitivities and specificities of the studies were heterogeneous. The pooled odds ratio was 3 (95% CI: 2.3-3.4). Its ROC Curve shows that, at the operating point yielding the lowest number of misclassifications, a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 62% is achieved. Seven studies reported unilateral and bilateral obstruction. Odds ratios were 2(95% CI: 1.5-2.6) and 19(95% CI: 7.5-46.5) respectively. So, overall, HSG has a low prognostic value, the outcome of HSG adds little to predicting the occurrence of pregnancy. However, when HSG shows bilateral obstruction, the chance of getting pregnant is only minimal.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Fallopian Tube Diseases / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterosalpingography*
  • Infertility, Female / etiology
  • Infertility, Female / therapy*
  • MEDLINE
  • Pregnancy
  • Prognosis
  • ROC Curve