Hysterosalpingographic findings in primary and secondary infertility patients

Saudi Med J. 2019 Oct;40(10):1067-1071. doi: 10.15537/smj.2019.10.24538.

Abstract

To highlight and compare spectrum of hysterosalpingography (HSG) findings in primary and secondary infertility patients. Methods: This retrospective record-based cross-sectional study was performed in the Radiology Department, King Fahad Military Medical City, Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between August 2016 and 2018. All patients (N=303) who underwent successful HSGs were included, and grouped under primary and secondary infertility cases. Patients with failed, limited or incomplete studies were excluded. Imaging findings were documented as N (Normal) or Ab (Abnormal). Abnormal HSG findings were further categorized as: C=congenital malformation, I=infection or inflammation, S=surgery, T=tumor or tear. Abnormal findings were confirmed on further imaging or intervention. Chi-square test was used to determine any association of HSG findings with type of infertility, and p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of the 303 patients, 166 patients (54.8%) had primary infertility while the rest had secondary infertility. Abnormal studies were found in less than one-third of patients (n=93, 30.7%). Primary infertility patients exhibited more congenital (C) malformations, while surgery (S) was seen more in secondary infertility patients (p=0.01). Conclusion: Congenital malformations are commonly found abnormalities on HSGs in primary infertility patients, while surgery related findings are seen in secondary infertility cases.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Fallopian Tube Diseases / complications
  • Fallopian Tube Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Fallopian Tubes / abnormalities
  • Fallopian Tubes / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterosalpingography / statistics & numerical data*
  • Infertility, Female / diagnostic imaging*
  • Infertility, Female / etiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Uterine Diseases / complications
  • Uterine Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Uterus / abnormalities
  • Uterus / diagnostic imaging