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Three-dimensional dynamic MR-hysterosalpingography; a new, low invasive, radiation-free and less painful radiological approach to female infertility

Unterweger, M. ; De Geyter, C. ; Fröhlich, J.M. ; Bongartz, G. ; Wiesner, W.

In: Human Reproduction, 2002, vol. 17, no. 12, p. 3138-3141

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    Title
    • Three-dimensional dynamic MR-hysterosalpingography; a new, low invasive, radiation-free and less painful radiological approach to female infertility
    Author
    • Unterweger, M.. Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, University Hospital and
    • De Geyter, C.. Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Women's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
    • Fröhlich, J.M.. Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, University Hospital and
    • Bongartz, G.. Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, University Hospital and
    • Wiesner, W.. Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, University Hospital and
    Document Type
    • Postprint
    OAI-PMH Identifier
    • oai:doc.rero.ch:301142
    Summary
    BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to propose a new method for imaging the uterine cavity and Fallopian tube patency by three-dimensional dynamic magnetic resonance hysterosalpingography (3D dMR-HSG) and to analyse if, by using a higher viscosity contrast solution, direct visualization of the Fallopian tubes may be achieved by this new technique. METHODS: 10 consecutive infertile women underwent 3D dMR-HSG and conventional HSG as gold standard. 3D dMR-HSG consisted of injection of 20 ml of a gadolinium-polyvidone solution into the uterine cavity while acquiring five consecutive three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted MR-sequences. RESULTS: In three patients the catheter became dislodged during 3D dMR-HSG. However, in one of these patients the examination was still partially diagnostic. Imaging findings of 3D dMR-HSG showed good correlation with conventional hysterosalpingography and allowed 3D imaging of the uterine cavity and of Fallopian tube patency in 8/10 patients and direct visualization of the Fallopian tubes in 5/7 patients. CONCLUSION: 3D dMR-HSG represents a new and promising imaging approach to female infertility causing less pain and avoiding exposure of the ovaries to ionizing radiation. By using a higher viscosity MR-contrast agent it allows not only visualization of uterine cavity and Fallopian tube patency but also direct visualization of Fallopian tubes