IS Case 168: Right hydrosalpinx

Chandler Shyu, MD, MPH

Imaging Sciences URMC 2008
Publication Date: 2009-05-21

History

Patient is an 35-year-old woman with infertility.

Findings

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) demonstrated filling of bilateral fallopian tubes without evidence of free peritoneal spillage. Additionally, the right fallopian tube revealed tubular distention.

Diagnosis

Right hydrosalpinx

Discussion

Hydrosalpinx is an obstructed and fluid distended fallopian tube. The common causes include sexually transmitted diseases (STD) infections leading to pelvic inflammatory disease, previous pelvic surgery, IUD, or endometriosis. Hydrosalpinx can remain undetected until a woman presents for evaluation of infertility.

Hydrosalpinx is best evaluated by HSG revealing a distended fallopian tube without peritoneal spillage. Treatment options include recanalization by attempting to pass a wire in the interventional radiology suite versus salpingoostomy using laparoscopic approach.

References

1. Ott D, Fayez JA, Zagoria RJ. Hysterosalpingography: A Text and Atlas. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2 ed., 1998: 89-91.