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


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Unterweger
M
M
Department of Radiology, University Hospital, University Women's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.
De Geyter
C
C
Fröhlich
J M
JM
Bongartz
G
G
Wiesner
W
W
D000328:Adult; D005186:Fallopian Tube Patency Tests; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007047:Hysterosalpingography / Q000379:methods*; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D010146:Pain; D014599:Uterus / Q000473:pathology