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Three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound of the subendometrial blood flow under the administration of a contrast agent (Levovist)

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Abstract

Methods

Based on the results from 42 IVF patients on the day of oocyte aspiration, our study tested the hypothesis that 3-D Doppler ultrasound of the endometrium supported by a contrast agent possesses advantages over a conventional 3-D Doppler ultrasound examination. We also determined whether the subendometrial blood flow indices measured under continuous infusion of Levovist (Schering, Berlin, Germany) were an indicator of a successful implantation.

Results

It was demonstrated that, after the administration of Levovist, all subendometrial blood flow parameters (e.g., vascularization index [VI: 8.82±16.64], flow index [FI: 35.67±9.33], and vascularization flow index [VFI: 3.99±8.80]) were significantly higher than without the contrast agent (p<0.001; VI: 3.09±7.11; FI: 29.13±14.26; VFI: 1.35±3.31). However, no significant differences between blood flow with contrast agent and pregnancy rate were found.

Conclusion

In summary, quantitative 3-D Doppler ultrasound employing Levovist (Schering, Berlin, Germany) is significantly more sensitive when compared to conventional 3-D Doppler examination. For the first time this was demonstrated on 42 IVF patients on the day of oocyte aspiration. However, no correlation with outcome of the IVF-treatment could be found.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bonn, Germany

    C. Dorn, J. Reinsberg & H. van der Ven

  2. Division of Gynecological Psychosomatics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bonn, Germany

    A. Wendt

  3. Division of Prenatal Diagnostics and Therapy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bonn, Germany

    C. Willeke & R. L. Schild

Authors
  1. C. Dorn
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  2. J. Reinsberg
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  3. C. Willeke
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  4. A. Wendt
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  5. H. van der Ven
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  6. R. L. Schild
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Correspondence to C. Dorn.

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Dorn, C., Reinsberg, J., Willeke, C. et al. Three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound of the subendometrial blood flow under the administration of a contrast agent (Levovist). Arch Gynecol Obstet 270, 94–98 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-003-0491-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-003-0491-z

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