Embryology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Embryology, including details on stem cells, reproduction, transplants, cloning.

Endometrial thickness and volume by three-dimensional ultrasound one week after embryo transfer to detect pregnancy.

Martins WP, Ferriani RA, dos Reis RM, Nastri CO, Filho FM

Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo-Brasil, São Paulo, Brasil. wpmartins@gmail.com

PURPOSE: Determine if the evaluation of endometrium one week after embryo transfer can predict pregnancy. METHODS: Endometrial volume and thickness were evaluated by three-dimensional ultrasound in 40 patients one week after embryo transfer. These results were compared to serum pregnancy test performed one week later. RESULTS: Eighteen patients have achieved pregnancy. A significant difference was found for endometrial volume: 6.49+/-1.97 mL versus 3.40+/-1.11 mL (pregnant versus not pregnant); and thickness: 11.15+/-2.75 mm versus 9.77+/-1.85 mm. The ROC curve was used to detect the best cutoff values: endometrial volume of 3.48 mL (sensitivity-100%, specificity-68.2%) and endometrial thickness of 10.3 mm (sensitivity-72.2%, specificity-77.3%). The area under curve was significant higher for endometrial volume (0.909 versus 0.745, p=0.027). No pregnancy was achieved in women who had an endometrial volume <3.8 mL (15 patients) or thickness <7.9 mm (3 patients). CONCLUSIONS: The endometrial volume and thickness were significant higher in pregnant women and this difference was more prominent for endometrial volume.

Published 26 April 2007 in J Assist Reprod Genet, 24(5): 155-8.
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