Salpingitis isthmica nodosa: review of four cases from the General Hospital, Kota Bharu

Four cases of salpingitis isthmica nodosa diagnosed from a total of 82 hysterosalpingograms, over a period of three years at the General Hospital, Kota Bharu, were reviewed. The diagnosis was made based on the radiographic appearance of globules of contrast medium in the periluminal tissues which were in continuity with the lumen of the fallopian tubes. Three of these patients had ectopic pregnancy. Diagnosis of salpingitis isthmica nodosa which is readily demonstrated by hysterosalpingogram, is extremely important because of its impact on ectopic pregnancy rates. Hysterosalpingography is indicated following ectopic pregnancy to show whether there is diverticulosis of the contralateral tube. By such knowledge, optimal treatment can be offered to patients wishing to attempt further conception. As the disease is relatively localised it is amenable to resection with reimplantation of the distal portion of the tube.