Is Hysterosalpingo-Contrast Sonography (HyCoSy) Using Sulfur Hexafluoride Microbubbles (SonoVue) Sufficient for the Assessment of Fallopian Tube Patency? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

J Ultrasound Med. 2023 Jan;42(1):7-15. doi: 10.1002/jum.15988. Epub 2022 Apr 20.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of HyCoSy using sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles for fallopian tubal patency assessment in infertile females. Twenty-four studies, including 1358 females with 2661 detected fallopian tubes published from January 2003 to May 2019, were identified. The pooled sensitivity was 93% (95% CI: 90-95%), while the specificity was 90% (95% CI: 87-92%). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.96 (95% CI: 94-98%). The specificity of the four-dimensional HyCoSy subgroup was higher than the 2D/3D subgroup; an increased dose of contrast agent did not affect the specificity, with only a slightly reduced sensitivity.

Keywords: SonoVue; fallopian tube patency tests; hysterosalpingography; infertility; ultrasonography.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Contrast Media
  • Fallopian Tube Patency Tests / methods
  • Fallopian Tubes* / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterosalpingography / methods
  • Infertility, Female*
  • Microbubbles
  • Sulfur Hexafluoride
  • Ultrasonography / methods

Substances

  • contrast agent BR1
  • Sulfur Hexafluoride
  • Contrast Media