Three-dimensional sonography-based automated volume calculation (SonoAVC) versus two-dimensional manual follicular tracking in in vitro fertilization.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the predictive value of manual two-dimensional follicular monitoring with that of sonography-based automated volume calculation (SonoAVC) in routine follicular tracking in in vitro fertilization (IVF).


METHODS
A prospective study was undertaken of women undergoing IVF with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation at a center in New Delhi, India, between October and November 2013. Follicular monitoring was performed both manually and in three dimensions with SonoAVC. On the day of oocyte retrieval, the follicular count and dimensions were calculated with both techniques and correlated with the number of oocytes retrieved.


RESULTS
Overall, 46 patients and 91 ovaries were studied. The mean times taken to perform manual and SonoAVC measurements were 209.2 ± 47.4 s and 156.6 ± 38.6 s, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean follicular count was significantly lower when measured manually than with SonoAVC (8.46 ± 3.35 vs 9.91 ± 4.60; P = 0.016). However, the mean leading follicle diameter measured manually (19.45 ± 2.46 mm) was similar to both the mean diameter (21.12 ± 2.65 mm) and the volume-based diameter (19.56 ± 2.16 mm) measured with SonoAVC.


CONCLUSIONS
Three-dimensional SonoAVC could be a useful adjunct for follicular monitoring, with a significant reduction in time and a good correlation with manual counts. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are required.
Assisted Reproductive Techniques Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. Electronic address: drneetasingh@yahoo.com.
Neeta
N
Singh
Assisted Reproductive Techniques Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
B R
BR
Usha
Assisted Reproductive Techniques Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Nisha
N
Malik
Assisted Reproductive Techniques Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Neena
N
Malhotra
Assisted Reproductive Techniques Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Sangita
S
Pant
Assisted Reproductive Techniques Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Perumal
P
Vanamail
D000328:Adult; D048429:Cell Size; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D007194:India; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010053:Ovary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010061:Ovulation Detection / Q000379:methods*; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D044384:Ovulation Prediction / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography
Follicular tracking; In vitro fertilization; SonoAVC; Three-dimensional ultrasonography