Inflammation of the uterine tube is called salpingitis, after the Greek name 'salpinx' or trumpet. It is usually associated with endometritis - pyometra, and probably occurs more commonly than is reported. Because it is assumed to be an ascending infection, the agents are probably the same as those causing endometritis, but studies are lacking.
The macroscopic appearance of salpingitis varies with severity. When it is recognised, it causes perioophoritis as the infundibulum is affected and the tissues around the ovary are included in the reaction. The uterine tube and mesosalpynx become red and edematous.
Figure : Bilateral salpingitis with extensive involvement of the periovarian tissues
Figure : Salpingitis and perioophoritis.
Histologically, severe cases have an abundance of exudate and large numbers of neutrophils may be present within the uterine tube and is usually restricted to within the fimbria. There often are lymphoid nodules such that feline infectious peritonitis is sometimes a consideration. FIP is a fibrinous, pyogranulomatous and plasma cell rich disease of the peritoneum so can usually be differentiated readily. Less severe cases of salpingitis have neutrophils in the lumen of the tube and some lymphocytes and plasma cells in the interstitium.
Figure : Subgross photograph of salpingitis and perioophoritis.
Figure : Salpingitis and perioophoritis. The normal ovary is at the bottom, numerous lymphatic nodules (lymphoid follicles) are central and neutrophils and fibrin are upper left.
Figure : Lymphoid aggregates are prominent beneath the epithelium of the infundibulum of the uterine tube.
Figure : Suppurative salpingitis of isthmus.
Figure : Suppurative salpingitis with neutrophils in the lumen. The epithelium is present and there are lymphocytes and plasma cells beneath it.
