Evaluation of a nonhomogeneous endometrial echo pattern in the midluteal phase as a potential factor associated with unexplained infertility.
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.
Check
Jerome H
JH
The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Camden, USA. info@ccivf.com
Gandica
Regina
R
Dietterich
Carole
C
Lurie
Deborah
D
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
D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol