The interovarian variation in three-dimensional ultrasound markers of ovarian reserve in women undergoing baseline investigation for subfertility.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate differences in the three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound markers of ovarian reserve between the ovaries within an individual undergoing investigation for subfertility.


METHODS
Prospective observational study.


METHODS
University-based assisted conception unit.


METHODS
Two hundred seventy women undergoing baseline early follicular phase ultrasound as an investigation for subfertility.


METHODS
Three-dimensional ultrasound scan in early follicular phase between days 2 and 5 of the menstrual cycle.


METHODS
Variations in 3D ultrasound markers of ovarian reserve between the two ovaries within same individual.


RESULTS
Two hundred fifteen subjects were analyzed for ovarian volume and antral follicle count, and 205 subjects for 3D power Doppler indices. Significant differences were noted (median, range) in the number of antral follicles measuring >6.0 mm and ovarian volume. Significant correlation was noted between the two ovaries in antral follicles measuring 6.0 mm or less, ovarian volume, and 3D power Doppler indices. On stratifying the antral follicles according to size using sonography-based automated volume calculation with postprocessing, maximum variation was seen in follicles measuring more than 6.0 mm as measured using limits of agreement.


CONCLUSIONS
There are significant differences in the antral follicles measuring >6.0 mm and ovarian volume, as measured using 3D ultrasound, that require consideration when comparing the two ovaries within an individual.
Division of Human Development, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom. shilpa.deb@nottingham.ac.uk
Shilpa
S
Deb
Jayaprakasan
J
Kannamannadiar
Bruce K
BK
Campbell
Jeanette S
JS
Clewes
Nicholas J
NJ
Raine-Fenning
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002452:Cell Count / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D048429:Cell Size; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007206:Individuality; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D009929:Organ Size; D010053:Ovary / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply / Q000166:cytology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*
D015415:Biomarkers