Background: Saline infusion sonohysterography is one of the recent refinements of ultrasonography that has the ability to enhance imaging of the uterine cavity in a safe, inexpensive and expedient manner. The technique can be difficult in women with a stenotic cervical os. This report describes a single-pass technique using chorionic villus sampling (CVS) catheters for saline infusion sonohysterography.
Method: Saline infusion sonohysterography requires the transcervical passage of a catheter, through which saline is infused. The subsequent distension of the uterine cavity enhances the ability to detect intrauterine pathology with ultrasonography. In women with cervical stenosis, a catheter can be used in place of the more conventional two-pass technique, which requires the use of a uterine sound or probe followed by a conventional catheter.
Experience: We have used CVS catheters in women with cervical stenosis on 12 occasions. All have been successful and without significant discomfort to the patient.
Conclusion: The use of CVS catheters for saline infusion sonohysterography in women with cervical stenosis can alleviate the need to remove the cervical probe prior to introduction of the catheter.