Evaluation of a nonhomogeneous endometrial echo pattern in the midluteal phase as a potential factor associated with unexplained infertility

Abstract

Objective To determine whether the failure to develop a homogeneous hyperechogenic pattern in the midluteal phase is associated with decreased fecundity in infertile women who are not receiving follicle-maturing drugs. Design Observational study. Setting Outpatient infertility clinic of a University Medical Center. Patient(s) Two hundred ninety-six infertile women (≥6 months) with regular menses, normal fallopian tubes and uterine cavity, and absence of severe male factor on their initial investigation cycle for follicular dynamic studies. Intervention(s) Midluteal phase sonographic endometrial evaluation. Main outcome measure(s) Viable pregnancy rates (live fetus at end of first trimester) according to endometrial echo pattern in the midluteal phase. Other variables considered were age of patient, endometrial thickness and serum E 2 levels at midcycle and midluteal phase, midcycle echo pattern, and P levels in the midluteal phase. Result(s) The viable pregnancy rate was significantly higher in those women who exhibited a homogeneous hyperechogenic pattern (8.5%) compared to those women whose endometrium was found to be nonhomogenous (2.2%). No other confounding variables were found that could explain this outcome. Conclusion(s) A nonhomogeneous hyperechogenic sonographic endometrial echo pattern predicts lower fertility potential in women who are not receiving follicle-maturing drugs.