Predictive Value of Transvaginal Colour and Power Dopplerultrasound During in-vitro-Fertilization Treatment

BackgroundTransvaginal ultrasound is an essential adjunct in the modern management of couples undergoing in-vitro-fertilization (IVF) treatment. Newer technologies such as colour and power Doppler ultrasound are superior in the assessment of dynamic changes taking place during the follicular and endometrial development.ObjectiveThe study was aimed to assess if transvaginal colour and power Doppler ultrasound can help in the better timing of oocyte retrieval and to evaluate the predictive value of this technology for the ovarian response and pregnancy results.Material and MethodsA total of 78 womenundergoing IVF and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) were examined by transvaginal ultrasonographywith colour and Doppler ultrasound. We assessed the perifollicular vascularity, ovarian arteries blood flow, endometrial thickness and morphology, myometrial contractivity and echogenicity, subendometrialvascularization, uterine artery pulsatility index and blood flow. The uterine parameters were combined as perthe Uterine Scoring System of Reproduction (USSR). All parameters were correlated with the pregnancy rate.ResultsThe overall pregnancy rate was 34.6%. both follicular and uterine scores were significantly higher in the pregnant women as compared to non-pregnant women.ConclusionThe transvaginal colour and power Doppler ultrasonography is a valuable adjunct to determine the optimal time for mature oocytes retrieval and uterine receptivity. The uterine score calculated prior to IVF cycles appears to be a useful predictor of implantation.