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Imaging
cervical os. No cervical clamping is performed. A total tions are routinely performed during the image inter-
volume of 15 mL of a iodine contrast dilution [2.5 mL of pretation and analysis.
water-soluble iodine contrast (iobitridol; Xenetix 350,
1. Axial images: the first step in the analysis is the
Laboratorios Temis Lostaló, Buenos Aires, Argentina)
evaluation of the original transverse CT images. They
and 12.5 mL of saline solution] is instilled into the
give an integral evaluation of the pelvic structures. An
uterine cavity using an automatic power injector at a
inter-median soft-tissue/bone window setting is re-
flow rate of 0.3 mL/s. CT examination includes an
quired for the assessment of the internal and external
anteroposterior localizer scan of the pelvis followed by
surface of the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes.
the volumetric acquisition of the axial images, approxi-
2. Multiplanar reformats: these bi-dimensional images
mately 45 s after initiation of the contrast solution
are displayed in sagittal, coronal, and oblique views.
instillation. The VHSG examinations should be per-
Curved multiplanar reconstructions are used for
formed with at least 64-row multidetector CT equip-
unfolding the uterus in a single plane (Fig. 1). The
ments. Suitable technical scan parameters of data
same window setting described earlier is utilized dur-
acquisition are: 64 9 0.625 mm collimation, 0.6 mm
ing the analysis.
slice thickness, 0.3 mm reconstruction interval, 0.5 s
3. Maximum intensity projections: these three-dimen-
rotation time, pitch 0.64, 120 kV. Tube current modu-
sional reconstructions offer detailed images of the
lation is used to adapt mAs at the patient’s size, ranging
cervix, uterus and particularly the fallopian tubes
from 100 to 250 mAs. Scan time varies between 3 and 4 s
(Fig. 2).
approximately.
4. Volume rendering: these three-dimensional recon-
structions show the entire pelvis anatomy and facili-
tate the identification of pathologic disorders (Fig. 2).
Image post-processing 5. Virtual endoscopy: this advanced three-dimensional
Using available CT image visualization and reprocessing display mode completes the image interpretation se-
tools, two-dimensional and three-dimensional evalua- quence. This algorithm creates endoluminal images
Fig. 3. Virtual endoscopy views of the cervical canal (A), isthmus (B), and uterine cavity (C).
similar to hysteroscopy, allowing an accurate delin- transition between the cervix and the uterine body. The
eation of the lesion located in the cervical canal, fallopian tubes are usually 10–12 cm long and arise at the
endometrial cavity, and the fallopian tubes when cornua. Each fallopian tube can be divided into three
dilated (Fig. 3). segments: interstitial, isthmic, and ampullary (Fig. 4).
Imaging findings
Normal anatomy. The uterus is a muscular organ whose
Cervical abnormalities
size varies depending on the patient’s age and parity. The Narrowing. In most cases, narrowing of the cervical canal
uterus has an inverted triangular shape, with the base is a normal anatomic or menstrual cycle variant. How-
positioned cranially and the cervix placed in its inferior ever, it also can be related to postsurgical or instrumental
side, extending into the vagina. The isthmus is the trauma, as well as the result of neoplastic stenosis (cervix
P. Carrascosa: CT virtual hysterosalpingography
Fig. 5. Dilated cervical gland (arrow head). A Maximum intensity projection. B Volume rendering reconstruction. C Virtual
endoscopy view.
Fig. 6. Prominent longitudinal folds parallel to the cervical canal corresponding to normal thickened folds (arrowheads). A Axial
CT image. B, C Virtual endoscopy views.
Fig. 7. Linear cornual lucencies (arrow heads). Symmetrical linear defects in the cornual-tubal junction. A Maximum intensity
projection. B Coronal multiplanar reconstruction. C The linear corneal lucencies are not visible on the virtual endoscopy view.
leiomyoma). Narrowing of the cervix may be focal or synechiae, congenital remnants, and submucosal myo-
diffuse. It can be seen clearly with VHSG in different mas. Synechiae can generate irregular elevated lesions and
angles without any cervical traction (Fig. 8). also stenosis of the canal (Fig. 10). In X-ray HSG as well
as in VHSG endoscopy views, air bubbles can be mistaken
Elevated lesions. Cervical polyps are rare. VHSG can de- with other filling defects such as polyps or blood clots. The
tect them easily by axial images and virtual endoscopy visualization of the bi-dimensional VHSG images can
views (Fig. 9). Other causes of elevated lesions include identify them with high accuracy and avoid misdiagnosis.
P. Carrascosa: CT virtual hysterosalpingography
Fig. 10. Cervical synechiae. There is an irregular, linear filling defect in the cervical canal (arrow). A Axial CT image. B
Maximum intensity projection. C Virtual endoscopy view.
Wall abnormalities. VHSG has the ability of evaluating intramural myomas show as focal soft-tissue masses
the uterine wall for the presence of uterine enlargement, within the normal myometrium.
contour abnormalities, and focal masses. Adenomyosis is characterized by the extension of the
Leiomyomas have a wide spectrum of shape, size, and endometrial glands into the myometrium. Adenomyosis
location and they can generate distortion of the uterus. can be demonstrated on VHSG if there is a connection
At VHSG, subserosal leimyomas appear as focal masses between the endometrial glands extending deep into the
deforming the external contour of uterus (Fig. 23), while myometrium and the uterine cavity. VHSG of a focal
P. Carrascosa: CT virtual hysterosalpingography
Fig. 11. Arcuate uterus. There is a small, symmetric indentation in the fundus of the uterine cavity (arrow head). The external
configuration of the uterus is normal. A Maximum intensity projection. B Volume rendering reconstruction.
C Virtual endoscopy view.
Fig. 12. Unicornate uterus. A single uterine horn and a single fallopian tube are visualized. A Maximum intensity projection.
B Volume rendering reconstruction. C Virtual endoscopy view.
Fig. 13. Bicornuate uterus. The uterine horns are widely depicted (arrow head). B Volume rendering reconstruction.
separated by myometrium. A Maximum intensity projection. C Virtual endoscopy view. Two polyps are present in the
The heart-shape external appearance of the uterus is clearly endometrial cavity (asterisks).
adenomyosis is nonspecific. It appears as small, isolated Postsurgical changes secondary to cesarean section
diverticula projecting into the myometrium. Diffuse or myomectomy are frequently seen on VHSG exams.
adenomyosis manifest as irregular branching outpouch- C-section scar is usually seen at VHSG as a wedge-
ings that are continuous with the uterine cavity (Fig. 24). shaped indentation near to the internal os (Fig. 25).
Hyperplasia of the myometrium and uterine wall A small diverticulum-like outpouching can be seen
enlargement is almost always present around the at the site of a submucosal myoma after surgical
abnormal implants. resection.
P. Carrascosa: CT virtual hysterosalpingography
Fig. 14. Incomplete septate uterus. A Maximum intensity acute angle between the two uterine horns. C Virtual endos-
projection. A normal external appearance of the uterus is copy view. The indentation of the septum in the uterine fundus
depicted (arrow heads). An incomplete septum is present is visualized (asterisk).
(asterisk). B Volume rendering reconstruction. There is an
Fig. 15. Complete septate uterus. A Maximum intensity projection. A normal external appearance of the uterus is depicted. The
uterine septum extends into the cervical canal (arrow heads). B Volume rendering reconstruction. C Virtual endoscopy view.
Fallopian tubes pathology. Conventional X-ray HSG is 64-row MDCT allows an accurate tubal lumen and
suggested as the best appropriate examination for eval- tubal wall visualization, and it is possible a virtual
uating the fallopian tubes and determining tubal patency. endoscopic intratubal navigation in dilated tubes [4]. At
With recent advances in CT technologies, VHSG using VHSG, normal fallopian tubes are thin, smooth tubular
P. Carrascosa: CT virtual hysterosalpingography
structures that widen in the ampullary portion. In ab- middle, and distal segment of the tube. If blockage is
sence of pathology, there should be free spillage of distal, a hydrosalpinx can be developed.
contrast material into peritoneal cavity. Hydrosalpinx defines the dilatation of the ampullary
Tubal occlusion secondary to inflammation or pre- portion of the tube (Fig. 27). It is commonly secondary
vious surgery manifests as non-opacification or abrupt to post-infection scarring, endometriosis, and surgery.
interruption of the fallopian tube with no intra-perito- Although ultrasound provides a non-invasive view of the
neal contrast spillage. Occlusion can be unilateral dilated tube, VHSG offers a better view of the inside of
(Fig. 26) or bilateral, and can affect the proximal, the dilated tube with a direct visualization by virtual
P. Carrascosa: CT virtual hysterosalpingography
falloscopy (Fig. 28). Intratubal adhesions can be seen in fort during the procedure. The use of a plastic cannula
those cases. positioned in the external cervical os without cervical
clamping reduces pain. The instillation of a dilution of
water soluble contrast media using an automatic
Grade of discomfort
power injector at a slow rate assures less peritoneal
Based in our experience and data analysis, VHSG is a irritation. Besides, it is not necessary to turn or change
well-tolerated examination, with the majority of the the patient’s position on the CT table during the
patients (86%) referring absence or only mild discom- exam.
P. Carrascosa: CT virtual hysterosalpingography
Fig. 21. Uterine synechiae. There is a large, irregular linear filling defect in the uterine cavity (arrow). A Maximum intensity
projection. B Volume rendering reconstruction. C Virtual endoscopy view.
Fig. 22. Asherman Syndrome. Large uterine synechiae. The uterus is small and irregular in shape. A Maximum intensity
projection. B Volume rendering reconstruction. C Virtual endoscopy view.
Fig. 24. Diffuse adenomyosis. Multiple variable-sized outpouchings projecting off the uterine fundus wall (arrow heads).
A Maximum intensity projection. B Volume rendering reconstruction. C Virtual endoscopy view.
Fig. 25. C-section scar. Diverticulum-like deformity of the isthmic region due to C-section (arrow head). A, B Coronal and
sagittal maximum intensity projections. C Virtual endoscopy view.
Acknowledgment. We would like to thank Dr. Graciela Fernandez 6. Carrascosa P, Capuñay C, Mariano B, et al. (2008) Virtual hys-
Alonso for her assistance in editing this manuscript. teroscopy by multidetector computed tomography. Abdom Imag-
ing 33(4):381–387
7. Carrascosa P, Baronio M, Capuñay C, et al. (2008) Clinical use of
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