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Citation, DOI & article dataCitation: Radswiki T, Rasuli B, Ibrahim D, et al. Hydrosalpinx. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 22 Dec 2022) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-13388 Hydrosalpinx is a descriptive term and refers to a fluid-filled dilatation of the fallopian tube. If the fluid is infected, i.e. pus, then it is a pyosalpinx, if bloody, then hematosalpinx. On this page:Patients may be asymptomatic or may present with pelvic pain or infertility. One or both fallopian tubes may be affected. A hydrosalpinx results from an accumulation of secretions when the tube is occluded at its distal end (obstruction of the ampullary segment) or both ends. On rare occasions, transient distention of the fallopian tubes occurs because of retrograde passage of blood from the uterus without complete distal occlusion. Causes
Ultrasound
Longitudinal folds that are present in a normal fallopian tube may become thickened in the presence of a hydrosalpinx. The folds may produce a characteristic “cogwheel”appearance when imaged in cross section. These folds are pathognomonic of a hydrosalpinx. Indentations on the opposite sides of the wall is referred to as the waist sign which is a strong predictor of hydrosalpinx. The waist sign in combination with a tubular-shaped cystic mass has been found to be pathognomonic of a hydrosalpinx 9. Incomplete septa may also give a "beads on a string" sign. Sometimes the dilated fallopian tube may not show longitudinal folds. If the elongated nature of these folds is not noted, they may be mistaken for mural nodules of an ovarian cystic mass. A significantly scarred hydrosalpinx may present as a multilocular cystic mass with multiple septa (often incomplete) creating multiple compartments. These septa are generally incomplete, and the compartments can be connected. However, with more pronounced scarring, differentiation from an ovarian mass may not be possible. CTA hydrosalpinx may be seen incidentally at CT as a fluid-attenuation tubular adnexal structure, separate from the ovary. A simple hydrosalpinx is not accompanied by pelvic inflammation. The tubal wall may enhance following contrast. MRIMR imaging is the modality of choice for the characterization and localization of adnexal masses that are inadequately evaluated with ultrasound. A dilated fallopian tube is interposed between the uterus and ovary and demonstrates fluid signal intensity. Incomplete septa or folds can be seen. The mucosal plicae are usually effaced, and the tube wall is uniformly smooth and thin. Signal characteristics of the dilated tube(s) include:
HysterosalpingogramWill classically show a dilated fallopian tube, filling with contrast and with absence of free spillage. Treatment and prognosis
General imaging differential considerations include
ReferencesRelated articles: Pathology: GenitourinaryPromoted articles (advertising)What is the inflammation of the ovaries called?Ovaritis generally refers to inflammation of the ovaries, and oophoritis refers to inflammation of the substance of the ovaries, the oocytes in particular.
What is inflammation of the fallopian tube called?Salpingitis is inflammation of the fallopian tubes, caused by bacterial infection. Common causes of salpingitis include sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
What is inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries?Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of one or more of the upper reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Untreated PID can cause scar tissue and pockets of infected fluid (abscesses) to develop in the reproductive tract, which can cause permanent damage.
Which one of the following is an infection within the uterine serosa and broad ligaments?PID is defined as an acute or chronic inflammation of the upper genital tract that may include any or all of the following structures: fallo- pian tubes, ovaries, uterine wall, uterine serosa, and broad ligaments.
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