Valentina Cipolla, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Renato Argiro, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Daniele Guerrieri MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Domiziana Santucci, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Carlo De Felice MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The aim of this study was to compare results of magnetic resonance hysterosalpingraphy performed with 1.5 Tesla and with 3 Telsa (1.5 T MR-HSG and 3T MR-HSG) for the diagnostic workup of infertile women.

We retrospectively analyzed 326 MR-HSG performed at our institution in a period of 30 mounth. The MR examination was performed with 1.5-T or 3-T MR unit. In both cases T2weighted and fat saturated T1 weighted images after intracavitary injection of normal steril salin were obtained using routine clinical parameters to assess intracavitary and extrauterine abnormalities. For the evaluation of tubal patency, fat-saturated T1-weighted gradient echo 3D dynamic sequences were acquired during the hand-injection of a small amount of a contrast solution consisted of gadolinium diluted in normal sterile saline. Contrast solution employed in 3T MR-HSG was more diluted than 1.5 T MR-HSG. The procedure was repeated for 1, 2 or 3 times depending of the case. Two readers reviewed all examinations and compared the following parameter: visibility of the tubes, failure rate and execution time. 

One hundred and ten MR-HSG were performed with 1.5 T and 216 with 3 T. Comparative analysis of examination show that intramural and ampullary portions of the tube were visualized in 75.3% of cases with 1.5 T and in 85.7% of cases with 3 T. Failure rate was 5.6% with 1.5T and 2.5% with 3 T. Mean execution time was 25 min for 1.5T MR-HSG versus 18 min required for 3T MR-HSG. Gadolinium dose was reduced from 2 ml to 0.5 ml wit 3T.  

3T MR-HSG achieve a shorter execution time and a lower failure rate and offers a better visualization of the fallopian tubes compared to 1.5-T MR-HSG. Thanks to higher CNR, 3T allow gadolinium dose reduction an potential cost saving. 3T MR-HSG should be considered more accurate and faster single comprehensive examination to be employed in female infertility investigation.

3T MR-HSG represent a faster and more accurate imaging approach compared to 1.5T MR-HSG in the diagnostic workup of female infertility.

Cipolla, V, Argiro, R, Guerrieri, D, Santucci, D, De Felice, C, Comparison between Magnetic Resonance Hysterosalpingography Performed with 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13028512.html