Skip to main content
Log in

Endometrial and Subendometrial Vascularity by Three-Dimensional (3D) Power Doppler and Its Correlation with Pregnancy Outcome in Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) Cycles

  • Original Article
  • Published:
The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of the Study

To study the role of endometrial and subendometrial blood flow measured by 3D power Doppler as predictors of pregnancy in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles.

Methods

A hospital-based prospective study of two hundred and twenty-one (221) women undergoing FET cycles with a triple-line endometrium ≥7 mm on day 14 endometrial and subendometrial blood flow was assessed using 3D power Doppler, and various indices endometrial volume, subendometrial volume and their vascularisation index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularisation flow index (VFI) were obtained and compared between the pregnant and the non-pregnant group. Primary outcome was clinical pregnancy.

Results

Out of 221 women, 97(43.89 %) became pregnant, while 124 (56.10 %) failed to become pregnant. The endometrial volume was comparable between the two groups. Endometrial VI, FI and VFI were significantly higher in the pregnant as compared to the non-pregnant group. There was a significant difference in subendometrial VI and VFI between the two groups, but FI was similar.

Conclusions

Endometrial and subendometrial vascularity by 3D power Doppler can be a useful parameter in predicting pregnancy in FET cycles.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Mercé LT, Barco MJ, Bau S, et al. Are endometrial parameters by three-dimensional ultrasound and power Doppler angiography related to in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer outcome? Fertil Steril. 2008;89:111–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Friedler S, Schenker JG, Herman A, et al. The role of ultrasonography in the evaluation of endometrial receptivity following assisted reproductive treatments: a critical review. Hum Reprod Update. 1996;2:323–35.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Merce LT. Ultrasound markers of implantation. Ultrasound Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2002;2:110–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Zollner U, Zollner KP, Specketer MT, et al. Endometrial volume as assessed by three-dimensional ultrasound is a predictor of pregnancy outcome after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Fertil Steril. 2003;80:1515–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Schild RL, Knoblock C, Dorn C, Fimmers R, et al. Endometrial receptivity in an in vitro fertilization program as assessed by spiral artery blood flow, endometrial thickness, endometrial volume, and uterine artery blood flow. Fertil Steril. 2001;75:361–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Ng EHY, Chan CCW, Tang OS, et al. The role of endometrial and subendometrial vascularity measured by three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound in the prediction of pregnancy during frozen thawed embryo transfer cycles. Hum Reprod. 2006;21:1612–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Wang L, Qiao J, Li R, et al. Role of endometrial blood flow assessment with color Doppler energy in predicting pregnancy outcome of IVF-ET cycles. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2010;8:122.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  8. Singh N, Bahadur A, Mittal S, et al. Predictive value of endometrial thickness, pattern and sub-endometrial blood flows on the day of hCG by 2D Doppler in vitro fertilization cycles: a prospective clinical study from a tertiary care unit. J Hum ReprodSci. 2011;4:29–33.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Wu HM, Chiang CH, Huang HY, et al. Detection of the subendometrial vascularization flow index by three-dimensional ultrasound may be useful for predicting the pregnancy rate for patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. FertilSteril. 2003;79:507–11.

    Google Scholar 

  10. KupesicS Bekavac I, Bjelos D, et al. Assessment of endometrial receptivity by transvaginal color Doppler and three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization procedures. J Ultrasound Med. 2001;20:125–34.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Ng EHY, Chan CCW, Tang OS, et al. Changes in endometrial and subendometrial blood flow in IVF. Reprod BioMed Online. 2009;18(2):269–75.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Zácková T, Järvelä IY, Tapanainen JS, et al. Assessment of endometrial and ovarian characteristics using three dimensional power Doppler ultrasound to predict response in frozen embryo transfer cycles. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2009;7:151.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  13. Check JH, Dietterich C, Lurie D, et al. The relationship of color and power Doppler ultrasound parameters of pulsatility and resistance indices and sub-endometrial blood flow with endometrial thickness on day prior to progesterone administration and their relationship to clinical pregnancy rate following frozen embryo transfer. Fertil Steril. 2003;80:S123.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Tekay A, Martikainen H, Jouppila P. Blood flow changes in uterine and ovarian vasculature, and predictive value of transvaginal pulsed colour Doppler ultrasonography in an in vitro fertilization programme. Hum Reprod. 1995;10:688–93.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Ng EH, Chan CC, Tang OS, et al. Endometrial and subendometrial vascularity is higher in pregnant patients with livebirth following ART than in those who suffer a miscarriage. Hum Reprod. 2007;22:1134–41.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

No grants or any specific assistance has been taken from any outside source for preparing the manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Vineet V. Mishra.

Ethics declarations

Conflicts of interest

None Declared.

Ethical statement

Informed written consent taken from every patient to enroll them in this study.

Additional information

Dr. Vineet V Mishra MD, Phd Professor and Head of Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology, IKDRC-ITS, Ahmedabad; Dr. Ritu Agarwal M.S. Senior Resident, Dept. Of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IKDRC-ITS, Ahmedabad; Dr. Urmila Sharma M.S. Clinical Fellow, Dept. Of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IKDRC-ITS, Ahmedabad; Dr. Rohina Aggarwal MS Associate Professor, Dept. Of Obstetrics and Gynecology IKDRC Ahmedabad; Dr Sumesh Choudhary MD Assistant professor, Dept. Of Obstetrics and Gynecology IKDRC Ahmedabad; Dr Pradeep Bandwal Senior Resident, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology IKDRC Ahmedabad.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Mishra, V.V., Agarwal, R., Sharma, U. et al. Endometrial and Subendometrial Vascularity by Three-Dimensional (3D) Power Doppler and Its Correlation with Pregnancy Outcome in Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) Cycles. J Obstet Gynecol India 66 (Suppl 1), 521–527 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13224-016-0871-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13224-016-0871-5

Keywords

Navigation