Pattern of abnormalities detected on scout films at hysterosalpingography (HSG) among infertile women

Abstract

Background: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) assesses tubal status during infertility investigation. The scout film standardizes the film qualities and detects calcified areas in the pelvis. Unfortunately the film is often skipped during HSG. This study determined the pattern of abnormalities detected in scout films and assessed the value of the film in HSG. Methods: The hysterosalpingographic scout films of infertile women performed over ten years at the Jos University Teaching Hospital in central Nigeria were analysed in a retrospective study. Results: The ages of the women ranged from 15 to 44 years with a preponderance of those aged between 25 and 29 years , number (n=419) and 44 (4.4% ) were teenage girls. Of the 998 women whose scout films were analysed, 389 (39.0%) women had primary infertility, and 609 (61.0%) had secondary infertility. Majority of the women, (n=974, 97.6%) the scout films were normal, while for 24 (2.4%) women the scout films had various abnormalities [pelvic calcifications (n = 8; 33.3%); evidence of previous pelvic bone fracture and bladder calcification (n = 4; 16.7%) each; urolithiasis (n = 2; 8.3%); IUCD (n = 3; 12.5%); and full bladder (n = 1,4.2%)]. Conclusion: Non-osseous lesions were the main findings on the scout radiograph of infertile women in Jos, Nigeria. Albeit the overall small number of abnormal findings (n=24, 2.4%), the apparent relationship of someof the findings with female infertility and the ease of missing such lesions without the scout film justifies the film at HSG studies. 

Key Words: Hysterosalpingography, Infertility, Northern  Nigeria, Pelvic Calcification, Scout Films

High Med Res J 2013;13:22-25