Value of ovarian positional assessment on 4D hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the positional relationship between the ovary and Fallopian tube and the relationship between the ovarian position and tubal morphology.

Material and methods: A total of 195 patients with 338 fallopian tubes were enrolled in this retrospective study. The ovarian and tubal positions were defined relative to the uterus in all directions. Tubal morphology was classified as smooth or tortuous.

Results: The distribution of the Fallopian tubes corresponded to the positions of the ipsilateral ovaries in the superoinferior direction (χ2 =197.653, p<0.001), mediolateral direction (χ2 =237.447, p <0.001) and anteroposterior direction (χ2 =109.746, p<0.001). Tubal morphology differed according to ovarian position in the superoinferior (χ2 =21.804, p<0.001), mediolateral directions (χ2 =4.679, p=0.031) but not in the anteroposterior direction (χ2 =0.793, p=0.373).

Conclusions: Evaluating the ovarian position can provide preliminary information on the distribution and shape
of the Fallopian tube, helping the operator choose the appropriate initial plane and the necessary approaches for inspection.