Role of Hysterosalpingography in Recurrent Abortion for Investigation of Intrauterine Pathology

Background and Objective: To assess the diagnostic value of hysterosalpingography (HSG) in the evaluation of the uterine cavity in recurrent aborters in comparison to hysteroscopy as the gold standard of diagnosis. Methods: 58 reproductive age women, all with habitual abortion (3 consecutive abortions), were examined by both HSG and hysteroscopy. Results: The overall sensitivity and specificity of HSG was 18.75% and 82.2%, respectively. The false positive and false negative results of HSG were 17.8% and 81.25%, respectively, and the positive predictive value for HSG is, therefore, 37.5%. Conclusion: Regarding very low sensitivity, specificity and high falsenegative rates of HSG, it is concluded that it has low value in detection of uterine cavity abnormalities in habitual abortion and hysteroscopy should be used as the gold standard method for diagnosis in these patients. MJIRI, Vol. 20, No.1, 9-11, 2006.