Saline Infusion Sonography: Tips and Tricks for Improved Visualization of the Uterine Cavity

JOURNAL TITLE: Donald School Journal of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Author
1. Luis S Noble
2. Osvaldo Padilla
3. Sushila Arya
4. Sanja Plavsic Kupesic
ISSN
0973-614X
DOI
10.5005/jp-journals-10009-1550
Volume
12
Issue
1
Publishing Year
2018
Pages
20
Author Affiliations
    1. Department of Pathology, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Texas USA
    1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Texas, USA
  • Article keywords
    Congenital uterine anomalies, Endometrial polyp, Hysterosonography, Intracavitary fibroid, Intrauterine adhesion, Saline infusion sonography, Sonohysterography, Submucosal fibroid.

    Abstract

    Saline infusion sonography (SIS), also known as hysterosonography or sonohysterography, is a minimally invasive ultrasound (US) technique that involves infusion of a small volume of sterile saline into the uterine cavity. It acts as a negative contrast medium that delineates hyperechogenic endometrial lining. Contrast enhanced sonographic studies provide high-resolution images of the uterine cavity enabling detection of focal and diffuse intrauterine abnormalities. In addition to visualizing intrauterine lesions, such as endometrial polyps, fibroids, and adhesions, it can assist in differentiating between different types of congenital uterine anomalies. The objective of our article is to assess the diagnostic value, indications, contraindications, and possible complications of SIS. Various clinical scenarios and typical appearances of intrauterine, endometrial, and subendometrial lesions detected by SIS are illustrated and compared with hysteroscopy images and/or macroscopically similar surgical pathology specimens. The literature on SIS is reviewed and authors discuss case-specific pitfalls and technical challenges that may lead to patient discomfort, poor image acquisition, incomplete assessment, and wrong interpretation of the images.

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