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Characterization of the uterine junctional zone prior to IVF/ICSI: an observational study

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Published:
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

The uterine junctional zone as documented by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shown to be of significance with respect to the early process of human reproduction. In this study, MRI findings were related to the outcome of an IVF/ICSI program.

Materials and methods

In 113 infertile women, the diameter of the anterior and posterior junctional zone (JZ) myometrium was documented by MRI prior to the use of ART. Each group of women was also subdivided according to the presence (MI/GV > 0%) or absence (MI/GV = 0%) of metaphase I(MI) and germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes. The MRI measurements were related to these and further parameters like expansion of the cumulus oophorus, pronuclei stages, embryo morphology and pregnancy rates.

Results

In all women with MI/GV = 0%, the JZ myometrium was significantly enlarged (p < 0.004) and the clinical pregnancy rate was significantly lower (p < 0.025) when compared to the women with MI/GV > 0%. The baby take home rates tended to the same results, but were not significantly different. No direct influence of the JZ on all other parameters could be observed.

Conclusions

The JZ, as documented by MRI, might interfere with follicular function.

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Acknowledgments

We owe the biologists Dr Uwe Mischeck and Dr Wolfgang Bernart a debt of gratitude for performing the analysis of the oocytes. No external funding was received for this study.

Conflict of interest statement

The author does not have any financial or commercial interest in this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St.-Johannes-Hospital Dortmund, Johannesstrasse 9-17, 44137, Dortmund, Germany

    Georg Kunz

  2. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Academic Teaching Hospital to the Universities of Frankfurt and Heidelberg/Mannheim, Klinikum Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany

    Dolores Beil

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  1. Georg Kunz
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  2. Dolores Beil
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Correspondence to Georg Kunz.

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Kunz, G., Beil, D. Characterization of the uterine junctional zone prior to IVF/ICSI: an observational study. Arch Gynecol Obstet 281, 945–953 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-009-1285-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-009-1285-8

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