DEVELOPMENT OF HYDROSALPINX DURING OVULATION INDUCTION

We have observed that hydrosalpinx develops in some patients undergoin g ovulation induction as part of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfe r and gamete intrafallopian transfer programs. Increased tubal secreti ons due to multihormonal stimulation causes a blocked tube to distend by the time of oocyte harvest. In a subset of women; hydrosalpinx was not identified on initial pelvic sonograms. Hydrosalpinx became appare nt during serial sonography to monitor follicular development. We perf ormed a retrospective chart review of these eases in order to confirm this finding with hysterosalpingography or laparoscopy. Nine of 316 wo men developed unilateral (eight cases) or bilateral hydrosalpinx (one case) during stimulation. Recognition of this sonographic finding is i mportant to the referring physician because it has important therapeut ic and outcome implications.