Virtual Hysterosalpingography: A Noninvasive Diagnostic Technique for the Evaluation of the Female Reproductive Tract

Virtual hysterosalpingography (VHSG) is a noninvasive imaging diagnostic technique that provides high-quality images of the entire female reproductive tract. Based on the capabilities of current multidetector computed tomography, it shows excellent diagnostic performance in comparison with other imaging modalities. The combination of several different imaging reprocessing techniques such as multiplanar reconstructions, maximum-intensity projections, 3D volume-rendering and virtual endoscopy images provides a comprehensive and accurate evaluation of both the female reproductive system and the pelvic anatomy generally. The exam has been used clinically for several years, particularly playing an important role in the evaluation of infertile patients. VHSG has the capability to offer simultaneously information provided by several diagnostic techniques such as conventional X-ray hysterosalpingography, sonohysterography, and magnetic resonance imaging, and it is able to diagnose cervical, uterine cavity, and uterine wall disorders, identify different types of uterine anomalies, and assess tubal patency and the presence of associated pathology. It is an extremely well-tolerated study with a very low radiation exposure.