Experimental Study of the Effect of Contrast Agent on the Fallopian Tubes of Rabbits

Hysterosalpingography is a valuable diagnostic tool in the investigation of the uterine and tubal factors of female infertility.

Author evaluated the effect of different iodinated contrast agents on the fallopian tube and adnexal tissue in 16 rabbits. Lipiodol, an oil-soluble agent, was used for 4 rabbits. The following water soluble contrast agents were used for 12 rabbits: iothalamate meglumine 60%, diatrizoate sodium, and iopromide. The agents injected through the catheter placed in the fallopian tube. Fallopian tubes and peritoneal cavities were evaluated histologically. Iothalamate meglumine and diatrizoate sodium contrast agents, were associated with mild to moderate Inflammation and edema. Iopromide. which has low osmolarity, produced mild inflammation compared to ionic contrast agents. Use of oil-soluble contrast medium resulted in fibrous adhesion, moderate to marked inflammation and tissue edema in fallopian tubes andperiovarian tissues.

The safety of oil-soluble contrast agents for hysterosalpingogrpahy is questioned. Therefore, contrast agents with low osmolarity are suitable for use in hysterosalpingography.