title: 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  Observational study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Outpatient infertility clinic of a University Medical Center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hundred ninety-six infertile women (> or =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.
  
  
  METHODS
  Midluteal phase sonographic endometrial evaluation.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A nonhomogeneous hyperechogenic sonographic endometrial echo pattern predicts lower fertility potential in women who are not receiving follicle-maturing drugs.
authors.affiliation: The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Camden, USA. info@ccivf.com
authors.forename: Jerome H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Check
authors.forename: Regina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gandica
authors.forename: Carole
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dietterich
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lurie
mesh_terms: D004717:Endometrium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008183:Luteal Phase; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol