Role of endometrial and subendometrial blood flows measured by three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound in the prediction of endometrial receptivity during IVF-ET treatment

Abstract

Objective To investigate the role of endometrial and subendometrial blood flows measured by transvaginal three-dimensional(3D) power Doppler ultrasound in the prediction of endometrial receptivity during in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles. Methods One hundred and twenty patients undergoing IVF-ET cycles were enrolled in this study. Transvaginal 3D power Doppler ultrasound examination was performed on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin injection to determine endometrial thickness,endometrial volume, vascularization index(VI), flow index(FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI) of endometrial and subendometrial regions by experienced sonograpbers. The patients were divided into pregnant group and non-pregnant group according to pregnant outcome. The data between the two groups were compared and analysed. Results There were no significant differences( P ＞0.05) between the pregnant group and non-pregnant group in endometrial thickness, endometrial volume. Endometrial and subendometrial VI,FI, VFI were higher in the pregnant group than those in the non-pregnant group, and statistical comparison had significant difference( P ＜0.05). Conclusions Endometrial and subendometrial blood flows measured by transvaginal 3D power Doppler ultrasound can be as a reliable indicator to assess endometrial receptivity and to predict the pregnancy outcome. Key words: Endosonography; Endometrium; Fertilization in vitro; Embryo transfer