Objective:

To evaluate fallopian tubal patency in infertile women by real-time three-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (RT-3D-HyCoSy)

and to investigate the application value of time parameters in quantitative analysis of tubal patency.

Methods:

All subjects underwent real-time three-dimensional ultrasound scanning. Firstly the tu

bal patency was judged by real-time images during scanning process

and the tubes were grouped according to tubal patency. And then the volume data were analyzed and the images were observed one by one. Three time parameters were calculated including T1

T2

T3

which respectively represented the appearing time of contrast agent in uterine cavity

fimbrial end of fallopian tube and pelvic cavity.

Results:

There were 152 fallopian tubes in 77 subjects in which two fallopian tubes were removed because of ectopic pregnancy. According to real-timethree-dimensional hysterosalpingo contrast sonography images

tubal patency results were as follows: 120 patency

6 blocked

and 26 passable. There were 120 unobstructed fallopian tubes in the normal group and 32 in the abnormal group. T1

T2

T3 in the normal group were (4.022.34) s

(9.414.96) s and (29.7910.07) s

respectively. T1

T2

T3 in the abnormal group were (5.573.40) s

(21.3712.78) s and (38.9717.06) s

respectively. There were significant differences in T1 and T2 between the two groups (

P

0.05)

but T3 was not significant different.

Conclusion:

RT-3D-HyCoSy could assess fallopian tubal patency effectively. Time parameters may be an objective and quantitative indicator to evaluate tubal patency after further study with large sample.