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G. Heinz-Peer

 

 

malities are hypoplasia, T-configuration, and a bulbous lower uterine segment (Fig. 23).

To date, there has been a paucity of reported ultrasound or MRI studies to detect DESrelated uterine changes. Most likely, this reflects relatively subtle findings on these examinations.

7.2\ Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is not a common cause of infertility. The frequency of symptomatic adenomyosis peaks between the ages of 35 and 50 years, and it is most often found in parous women (Braly 1999). However nulligravid women are sometimes affected and experience infertility. The exact reasons for infertility in patients with adenomyosis remain unclear, although an enlarged uterus may be associated with reduced uterine or endometrial receptivity (Fig. 24a, b).

Fig. 23  Class VII. Hypoplastic T-shaped deformity of the uterus with filling of dilated glands in the cervix in a proven DES uterus

7.3\ Leiomyoma

Uterine leiomyoma, especially submucous leiomyoma, may be associated with pregnancy loss rather than infertility. Although leiomyoma is an infrequent cause of infertility, there may be some interference with sperm transport or implantation as a result of distortion, an increased surface area

a

b

Fig. 24  Adenomyosis: multiple high signal foci predominantly in the posterior aspect of the uterus on these axial (a) and sagittal (b) T2W MR images indicating a more focal adenomyosis. Poor delineation of the junctional zone

Evaluation of Infertility

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within the uterine cavity, or impingement by the

a

leiomyoma on the endocervical canal or intersti-

 

tial portion of the fallopian tubes (Thompson and

 

Rock 1997) (Fig. 25a, b).

 

Both transvaginal ultrasound and MRI are

 

reliable methods for identification of leiomyo-

 

mas. Sonohysterography can clearly demonstrate

 

the relationship between the endometrium and

 

submucosal leiomyomas and thus serves as an

 

important adjunct to transvaginal US (Becker

 

et al. 2002).

 

7.4\ Endometriosis

Endometriosis is found in 25–50% of infertile women, and 30–50% of women with endometriosis are infertile (Schenken 1999).

Laparoscopy is the mainstay for diagnosis, staging, and treatment of the disease. Transvaginal US is the preferred imaging technique­ to identify ovarian endometrioma. However, US has limited usefulness in identifying peritoneal implants. MR imaging has also proved to be a useful modality for establishing an accurate diagnosis of endometriosis (Fig. 26a–c).

In conclusion, the various causes of infertility in women need to be carefully evaluated by use of the appropriate imaging techniques. The conventional HSG is still a widely available, rather safe, and rapid as well as easily performable technique to assess tubal patency. HSG is minimally invasive and also entails exposure to low ionizing radiation. Sonohysterography and sonohysterosalpingography allow evaluation of both tubal patency and uterine pathology. MR imaging is a useful modality as an adjunct for routine infertility workups. It is valuable for detection of pituitary adenoma when patients are suspected of having a disorder of the hypothalamic-pituitary-­ovarian axis. The role of MR imaging in assessing the pelvic cavity in patients with infertility includes evaluation of the functioning uterus and ovaries, differentiation of

b

Fig. 25  Leiomyoma: enlarged uterus with large fibroids

(F) in the anterior and posterior aspect of the uterus being of typical low signal intensity on this axial (a) and sagittal (b) T2W MR images. B (urinary bladder), E (endometrium)

müllerian duct anomalies, and accurate noninvasive diagnosis of adenomyosis, leiomyoma, and