Pattern of hysterosalpingographic findings among infertile women at a tertiary hospital in North West, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Infertility is a global public health problem, with the highest prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa where infection-related tubal damage is the commonest cause. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is the first line investigation in the evaluation of tubal patency.

Objectives: The study was performed to assess the prevalence and pattern of HSG findings in patients who went through infertility clinic at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital

Methodology: It was a retrospective study of the HSG findings among infertile women at the infertility clinic of Aminu st st Kano Teaching Hospital between 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2017.

Results: Majority of the patients had normal HSG findings (55.6%, n=124). The commonest abnormality was bilateral tubal blockage with or without hydrosalphinx (25.6%, n=57). Other abnormalities include right tubal blockage only (3.6%, n=8), left tubal blockage only (2.2%, n=5), right hydrosalphinx (13.5%, n=30), left hydrosalphinx (10.8%, n=24), intrauterine adhesions (6.7%, n=15), uterine fibroids (4%, n=9), pelvic adhesions (8.1%, n=18) and congenital uterine  anomalies (1.3%, n=3).

Conclusion: The commonest abnormality on HSG among infertile patients at the gynaecology clinic was bilateral tubal blockage with or without hydrosalphinx which are usually infection related . Prompt diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and other pelvic infections will therefore go a long way in preventing tubal damage and the dreaded sequelae of infertility.

Keywords: Hysterosalpingography, Infertility, Kano