Infertility F22Computerized analysis of uterine peristalsis from transvaginal ultrasound images after ovulation induction by clomiphen citrate

Abstract

BackgroundUterine peristalsis plays a central role in assisting the transport of an embryo to a fundal implantation site.ObjectiveComputerized characterization of the dynamics of intrauterine fluid–wall interface (IUFWI) from in vivo images of the sagittal cross‐sections of the uterus of patients treated with Clomiphen Citrate (CC) and healthy women with normal cycle.MethodTransvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) images of sagittal cross‐sections of nonpregnant uterus were scanned. Images at consecutive times (1 second apart) were digitized and processed by techniques of image processing. The images were compared to evaluate time variation of the IUFWI with respect to amplitude, frequency and symmetry.ResultsTVUS images from 6 women treated by CC (Group A) and 25 healthy volunteers (Group B) during the proliferative phase were analyzed. The amplitudes of the IUFWI of Groups A and B yielded 0.106 ± 0.041 mm and 0.082 ± 0.045 mm, respectively. The frequency of Group A, 0.036 ± 0.017 Hz, was higher than the frequency of Group B, 0.029 ± 0.017 Hz, in contrast to reported observations. The motility of IUFWI among Group B revealed higher symmetry, −0.712 (−1 yields full symmetry), than the symmetry of −0.660 of Group A.ConclusionsIt may well be that the differences in the amplitude, frequency and symmetry change the pregnancy rate of women undergoing ovulation induction by CC.