Isthmic tubal occlusion: etiology and histology.

Twenty five patients were operated on for isthmic tubal occlusion. In 15 cases (60%) the etiology of this lesion was salpingitis isthmica nodosa. Of the other 10 cases, three showed tubal endometriosis and another three isthmic fibrosis. In two patients the histologic examination showed chronic inflammation. In one case etiology was tubal tuberculosis and in one case a cyst of calcified Gartner 's duct was seen. Inflammatory etiology seems to be important in isthmic tubal occlusion. In many cases chlamydial infection may be the chronic irritant which also cause the muscular hypertrophy leading to salpingitis isthmica nodosa.