Three-dimensional ultrasound inversion rendering technique facilitates the diagnosis of hydrosalpinx.
OBJECTIVE
To test the utility of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound (US) inversion rendering technique in the evaluation of fluid-distended fallopian tubes.


METHODS
Fifty-two patients with fluid-filled adnexal masses suspected of being abnormal fallopian tubes were scanned by two-dimensional and 3D transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). Six patients had bilateral disease. The acquired volumes were then "inverted" to display a cast-like appearance of the fluid-filled structures. The ipsilateral ovaries were identified in all patients. Five patients had acute tubal disease.


RESULTS
Fifty-two of the 58 inversion renderings yielded acceptable images of hydrosalpinges. Only in four patients were the two-dimensional images more informative than the 3D-rendered and inverted views. In nine patients adjacent corpora lutea, ovarian cysts, and follicles within normal ovaries were also identified, but appeared separate from the fluid-filled tubes. The tubes in the patients with acute disease were all successfully inverted.


CONCLUSIONS
The 3D inversion technique is a simple and effective way to render fluid-filled spaces, which may be tortuous and follow various directions. The rendered images increased the confidence in diagnosing hydrosalpinx.
Timor-Tritsch
Ilan E
IE
NYU School of Medicine-Ob/Gyn, New York, NY 10016, USA.
Monteagudo
Ana
A
Tsymbal
Tanya
T
D000208:Acute Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005184:Fallopian Tube Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000379:methods*