ECHOVIST-200 enhanced hysterosonography: A new technique in the assessment of infertility

Abstract

Tubal occlusion is one of the most common causes of infertility. Therefore, examination of tubal patency is a very important diagnostic tool. Our aim was to determine whether hystero-salpingo-contrast sonography is able to show tubal patency, whether it has any side effects and what role this technique may have in the future. Echovist- 200 hysterosalpingo-contrast sonographic examinations have been used in our service in 195 cases since 1998. We found tubal patency in 157 cases (84.4% ), and unilateral or bilateral occlusions in 34 instances (12.5% ). In four cases we could not visualize the tubes because they were too long. In the last mentioned cases we performed a laparascopy-dye test for the control of our results. The most common side effect during the check-up procedure was abdominal pain. This the patients tolerated well. We did not experience any other serious side effect. Comparing our results with those reported from abroad, we found them similar to the latter. According to our experience, the HyCoSy method for the evaluation of infertility is quick and well tolerated.