Ultrasound guided procedure can increase pregnancy rates in subfertile women

Using ultrasound rather than X-ray to guide flushing of the uterus and fallopian tubes can increase pregnancy rates and avoid unnecessary radiation exposure according to data1 presented at the 70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) in Auckland today.

On the second day of the conference, researchers shared an assessment of the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided oil-based contrast media (also known as Lipiodol) flushing as an alternative to the procedure being performed under fluoroscopic guidance.

Lead researcher Dr Emmeline Lee said: “Recent analysis of this multicentre study across three states in Australia has demonstrated that women receiving Lipiodol flushing have clinical pregnancy rates of over 50 per cent within six months of having the treatment, which is comparable to pregnancy rates achieved by other researchers performing the procedure under X-ray guidance. As far as we know, this is the first reported study of the effectiveness of Lipiodol flushing exclusively under ultrasound guidance.

“Using ultrasound means that other pathologies can be diagnosed at the same time as the flushing, and is thus a “one stop shop” for women undergoing investigation for subfertility, as most women require an ultrasound scan anyway.

“Flushing of the fallopian tubes and uterus under ultrasound guidance importantly can be performed effectively and safely in an outpatient setting and is a welcome alternative to X-ray for many women wishing to fall pregnant.”

Elsewhere at the conference, lung imaging experts discussed the increased incidence of occupational lung disease, including silicosis, in workers exposed to the dust from manufactured stone. Clinical radiologists play a pivotal role in the ongoing detection and management of this disease. It is vital that screening programs detect silicosis accurately and early to ensure that at-risk workers are protected. Read RANZCR’s position statement, Imaging of Occupational Lung Disease, here.

For more information on the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists’ 70th Annual Scientific Meeting or to review the program visit http://www.ranzcr2019.com/

References:

1. 1. E Lee J Sekhon, J Woolcock , J Ramkrishnan, M Menezes, S Tan,.G Lo. Flushing under Ultrasound Guidance – Does it increase pregnancy rates in subfertile women?