Saline infusion sonohysterography: analysis of 316 cases out of a single ultrasound unit

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze data of patients in whom a study of saline sonohysterography (SSHG) was performed.Methods: All patients who underwent saline sonohysterography for evaluation of their endometrial cavity during the past 3 years were included in the study. Indications for referral, premenopausal and postmenopausal status, and results of the study were analyzed.Results: Three hundred and sixteen (316) studies were performed. 294 patients (93%) were premenopausal, and 22 patients (7%) were postmenopausal. Indications were as follows. Premenopausal (n=294): 1) abnormal uterine bleeding (77/294=26%); 2) dysfunctional uterine bleeding (14/294=5%); 3) heterogeneous endometrium (175/294=60%); 4) tamoxifen use (4/294=1.3%); 5) uterine anomalies (2/294=0.7%); 6) infertility (10/294=3%); 7) recurrent abortions (7/294=2.3%); 8) IUD (5/294=1.7%). Postmenopausal (n=22): postmenopausal bleeding (22/22= 100%). Findings for premenopausal: thickened endometrial walls (8/294=2.7%); endometrial polyps (105/294=35.7%); fibroids (55/294=18.7%); submucosal, 37; intracavitary, 15; cervical, 3; negative (101/294=34.3); others (25/294); septated uterus, 2; uterine synechia, 5; foreign objects, 6; technically not done, 12. Findings for postmenopausal: thickened endometrial walls (2/22=9%); endometrial polyps (8/22=36%); fibroids (2/22=9%); submucosal, 2; negative (4/22=18%); others, stenotic OS (5/22); not tolerated (1/22).Conclusions: These data provide us with information regarding the referral pattern for SSHG in a large ultrasound unit. Around one third of the studies in both pre- and postmenopausal women demonstrated endometrial polyps. Another third of the studies are negative. Of importance is the fact that 27% of the studies in postmenopausal patients could not be done due to technical and physical reasons. As the acceptance of this type of study increases in this area, the referral pattern might shift to different indications. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze data of patients in whom a study of saline sonohysterography (SSHG) was performed. Methods: All patients who underwent saline sonohysterography for evaluation of their endometrial cavity during the past 3 years were included in the study. Indications for referral, premenopausal and postmenopausal status, and results of the study were analyzed. Results: Three hundred and sixteen (316) studies were performed. 294 patients (93%) were premenopausal, and 22 patients (7%) were postmenopausal. Indications were as follows. Premenopausal (n=294): 1) abnormal uterine bleeding (77/294=26%); 2) dysfunctional uterine bleeding (14/294=5%); 3) heterogeneous endometrium (175/294=60%); 4) tamoxifen use (4/294=1.3%); 5) uterine anomalies (2/294=0.7%); 6) infertility (10/294=3%); 7) recurrent abortions (7/294=2.3%); 8) IUD (5/294=1.7%). Postmenopausal (n=22): postmenopausal bleeding (22/22= 100%). Findings for premenopausal: thickened endometrial walls (8/294=2.7%); endometrial polyps (105/294=35.7%); fibroids (55/294=18.7%); submucosal, 37; intracavitary, 15; cervical, 3; negative (101/294=34.3); others (25/294); septated uterus, 2; uterine synechia, 5; foreign objects, 6; technically not done, 12. Findings for postmenopausal: thickened endometrial walls (2/22=9%); endometrial polyps (8/22=36%); fibroids (2/22=9%); submucosal, 2; negative (4/22=18%); others, stenotic OS (5/22); not tolerated (1/22). Conclusions: These data provide us with information regarding the referral pattern for SSHG in a large ultrasound unit. Around one third of the studies in both pre- and postmenopausal women demonstrated endometrial polyps. Another third of the studies are negative. Of importance is the fact that 27% of the studies in postmenopausal patients could not be done due to technical and physical reasons. As the acceptance of this type of study increases in this area, the referral pattern might shift to different indications.