Detection of the subendometrial vascularization flow index by three-dimensional ultrasound may be useful for predicting the pregnancy rate for patients undergoing in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer

Abstract

Objective To obtain quantitative data on endometrial volume and subendometrial blood flow by three-dimensional ultrasound clue to endometrial receptivity. Design A prospective, nonrandomized clinical study. Setting One tertiary center for assisted reproduction. Patient(s) Fifty-four patients aged <38 years with normal basal serum FSH level experiencing their first IVF cycle, whose uteri were morphologically normal as confirmed by 3-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound, were studied. Intervention(s) Ultrasound evaluation was performed for all patients with 3-D facility by a single operator on the day of hCG administration. Main outcome measure(s) Ultrasonographic parameters and conception rates. Result(s) Subendometrial vascularization flow index (VFI) in predicting the pregnancy rate of IVF was superior to that using vascularization index, flow index, or endometrial volume in the receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. The best prediction rate was achieved by a VFI cutoff value of >0.24. Conclusion(s) The detection of subendometrial blood flow by 3-D power Doppler ultrasound may be a useful ultrasound parameter in the prediction of pregnancy rate of IVF, especially subendometrial VFI.