Effects of interstitial fallopian tube polyps on isthmic tubal diameter.
OBJECTIVE
To study the apparent association between interstitial fallopian tube polyps and isthmic tubal dilatation.


METHODS
Retrospective clinical study.


METHODS
Tertiary academic medical center.


METHODS
Sixty-five patients with normal hysterosalpingograms and 40 patients with interstitial tubal polyps (25 unilateral and 15 bilateral).


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Proximal, medial, and distal isthmic diameters were measured digitally and normalized according to an internal standard. Polyp volumes were measured and divided into four groups according to increasing volume (<2 mm3, 2-5 mm3, 6-12 mm3, >12 mm3).


RESULTS
There was a significant increase in proximal isthmic tubal diameter in patients with interstitial polyps. Mean diameter increased from 0.6 mm to 0.9 mm. There was no significant change in more distal isthmic diameters. Larger polyps tended to be associated with larger luminal diameters.


CONCLUSIONS
Interstitial fallopian tube polyps are associated with a significant increase in proximal isthmic luminal diameter as determined on hysterosalpingography. Although these polyps are nonobstructing and thus thought by most investigators not to affect fertility, their association with altered luminal diameter and perhaps altered function might be of clinical interest.
Brubaker
Lauren M
LM
Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.
Clark
Richard L
RL
D005184:Fallopian Tube Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007047:Hysterosalpingography / Q000379:methods; D011127:Polyps / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies