Bilateral fallopian tubal polyps: radiologic and pathologic correlation

Cornual polyps of the fallopian tube are associated with endometriosis and anovulation

Background. The relationship between tubal cornual polyps and endometriosis and ovulatory disorders in infertile women is unclear. Our objective was to determine such an association from our database and review the literature. Methods. Twenty-two infertile women with tubal cornual polyps were assessed for coexistence of oligoovulation/anovulation and endometriosis with stratification for polyp diameter (large: ≥5 mm diameter, small <5 mm diameter). Result(s). Oligoovulation/anovulation was more prevalent in women with large versus small tubal cornual polyps (P = 0.0048). Endometriosis was associated with both large and small polyps. Conclusion(s). This case series confirms the association of tubal cornual polyps with oligoovulation/anovulation and endometriosis in infertile women. This case series is limited by a lack of controls.

Effects of interstitial fallopian tube polyps on isthmic tubal diameter

OBJECTIVE

To study the apparent association between interstitial fallopian tube polyps and isthmic tubal dilatation.

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

SETTING

Tertiary academic medical center.

PATIENT(S)

Sixty-five patients with normal hysterosalpingograms and 40 patients with interstitial tubal polyps (25 unilateral and 15 bilateral).

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Proximal, medial, and distal isthmic diameters were measured digitally and normalized according to an internal standard. Polyp volumes were measured and divided into four groups according to increasing volume (<2 mm3, 2-5 mm3, 6-12 mm3, >12 mm3).

RESULT(S)

There was a significant increase in proximal isthmic tubal diameter in patients with interstitial polyps. Mean diameter increased from 0.6 mm to 0.9 mm. There was no significant change in more distal isthmic diameters. Larger polyps tended to be associated with larger luminal diameters.

CONCLUSION(S)

Interstitial fallopian tube polyps are associated with a significant increase in proximal isthmic luminal diameter as determined on hysterosalpingography. Although these polyps are nonobstructing and thus thought by most investigators not to affect fertility, their association with altered luminal diameter and perhaps altered function might be of clinical interest.