The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of hysterosonography in septate uterine congenital abnormalities and more particularly in septate uteri. A total of 14 patients with a history of repeated spontaneous abortion or infertility who had previously undergone hysterosalpingography were included in this study. Patients were first examined by standard transvaginal ultrasound. Hysterosonography was then carried out by the intrauterine injection of an isotonic saline solution. The septate uteri were diagnosed by hysterosonography in all 14 patients (100%). Hysterosonography permitted the measurement of the thickness and height of the septum. Hysterosonography and transvaginal ultrasound enabled the correct diagnosis of malformation type in eight cases (57%). The accuracy of hysterosonography in postoperative control was greater than that of hysteroscopy. Transvaginal hysterosonography with saline solution is a low-cost, easy and helpful examination method for septate uteri. We propose that hysterosonography should be performed for the primary investigation of infertility and repeated miscarriages.

The aim of this prospective study was to establish complementary data of uteri exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in utero for transvaginal analysis and vascularity changes during the menstrual cycle. A total of 28 women with DES-exposed uteri were compared with 60 non-exposed women. Transvaginal ultrasound and colour Doppler imaging were performed on days 5 and 22 of the menstrual cycle. Uteri were measured on sagittal and transverse scans. Uterine length, width, thickness and uterine cavity length and width were measured. Uterine volume and uterine cavity area were calculated. DES-exposed uterine volume was equal to 31.84 +/- 3.37 cm3. The cavity area of DES-exposed uterus was equal to 35.85 +/- 3.93 cm2. Cervix length of DES-exposed uterus was significantly smaller than that of non-exposed uterus. The uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) of DES-exposed uterus was significantly higher than that of normal uterus. Blood flow remained stable throughout the menstrual cycle. The PI of DES-exposed uterus remained stable during the menstrual cycle, as in non-exposed uterus, and it decreased during the luteal phase. This lack of modification in vascularity of DES-exposed uterus may explain miscarriages and obstetric complications such as intrauterine growth retardation or pre-eclampsia. The data may have implications for the assessment of reproductive status and the design of future studies on disorders of implantation in DES-exposed uterus.

No abstract