Comparison of endometrial and subendometrial blood flows among patients with and without hydrosalpinx shown on scanning during in vitro fertilization treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To compare endometrial and subendometrial blood flows among patients with and without hydrosalpinx (HSP) during in vitro fertilization treatment as measured by a three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound.


METHODS
A prospective observational study.


METHODS
A tertiary assisted-reproduction unit.


METHODS
Twenty-one patients with HSP were compared with 42 matched controls without HSP.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Endometrial thickness, endometrial pattern, endometrial volume, pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) of uterine vessels, and the vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization flow index (VFI) of endometrial and subendometrial regions were measured on the day of oocyte retrieval.


RESULTS
The proportion of the non-multilayered endometrial pattern was significantly higher in the HSP group than in the non-HSP group. Patients in the HSP group had significantly lower endometrial and subendometrial VI and VFI. Endometrial thickness, endometrial volume, uterine PI, uterine RI, and endometrial and subendometrial FI were similar between the two groups. No significant differences were observed in endometrial and subendometrial VI, FI, and VFI among patients with unilateral and bilateral HSP.


CONCLUSIONS
A change in endometrial pattern and a decrease in endometrial and subendometrial blood flows may be the reasons for impaired implantation in patients with HSP.
Ng
Ernest Hung Yu
EH
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China. nghye@hkucc.hku.hk
Chan
Carina Chi Wai
CC
Tang
Oi Shan
OS
Ho
Pak Chung
PC
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004717:Endometrium / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005184:Fallopian Tube Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D009865:Oocytes; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D013997:Time Factors; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler