Dynamics of endometrial thickness over time: a reappraisal to standardize ultrasonographic measurements in an infertility program.
OBJECTIVE
To assess changes in endometrial thickness during different phases of spontaneous uterine contractions in the menstrual cycle.


METHODS
Prospective, longitudinal study.


METHODS
Infertility clinic.


METHODS
Sixty-eight infertile patients seen for basic assessment between January 30 and July 1, 2002.


METHODS
Endometrial thickness on two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography.


RESULTS
Changes in endometrial thickness were seen on transvaginal ultrasonongraphy in 52 of 68 (76.47%) patients during spontaneous uterine contractions throughout the follicular phase of menstrual cycle. Changes involved the myometrium and subendometrium. Changes in thickness ranged from 1.3 mm to 2.8 mm, regardless of the day of study.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple measurements must be made to calculate a mean endometrial thickness that takes into account alterations due to contractions.
Dastidar
Kakoli Ghosh
KG
Ghosh Dastidar Institute for Fertility Research Pvt. Ltd., Calcutta, India. gdifr@vsnl.com
Dastidar
Sudarsan Ghosh
SG
D000328:Adult; D004717:Endometrium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D005498:Follicular Phase / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000502:physiology*