Evaluation of tubal patency with hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography using sodium alginate solution and the subsequent fertility outcomes in repeat breeder cattle

Tubal abnormalities were evaluated on hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy) using sodium alginate solution as a contrast agent in 18 repeat breeder cattle. Clear contrast enhancement was observed from the uterine horn to the tubal infundibulum in the patent cases, and the percentage of cases with unilateral or bilateral passage disorder was 64.7%. The post-examination artificial insemination conception rate when ovulatory follicles were present on the patent side was 64.3%, which was significantly higher than 12.5% seen when ovulatory follicles were present on the side affected by passage disorder (P < 0.05). The polymorphonuclear leukocyte percentage in the recovered contrast agent was significantly higher on the passage disorder side than on the patent side, whereas there was no significant difference in C-reactive protein concentrations between the patent and passage disorder sides. The present method can be used for diagnosing tubal abnormalities, and chronic inflammatory changes may be related to tubal passage disorder.