Evaluating the role of endometrial colour Doppler dynamic tissue perfusion measurements in in vitro fertilisation success

Abstract

The role of uterine receptivity and endometrial perfusion in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) remains unclear. In our prospective pilot study, we used a new dynamic tissue perfusion measurement method to evaluate this relationship in humans. A standard ovulation induction and embryo transfer method were applied to all the volunteers. On the day of embryo transfer, dynamic images of the uterus were recorded using colour Doppler ultrasound, and these images were uploaded onto PixelFlux Chameleon Software (GmbH, Münster, Germany). After determining the region of interest (ROI), the average velocity, intensity, and area values for all coloured pixels in the ROI, the tissue resistance index (RI) and the tissue pulsatility index were calculated. Endometrial thickness, morphology and dynamic endometrial perfusion parameters were compared between the clinically pregnant and non-pregnant groups. Endometrial thickness, morphology values and endometrial dynamic tissue perfusion measurements were similar between the groups. This study compared perfusion parameters between clinically pregnant and non-pregnant patients by accurately calculating endometrial tissue perfusion using standard software to establish its relationship with implantation success in IVF treatment.

IMPACT STATEMENT

• What is already known about this subject? The relationship between IVF success, endometrial receptivity and perfusion is known. Clear valuations of endometrial receptivity require an endometrial biopsy which may cause endometrial damage to the actual IVF cycle. This problem has led researchers to conduct non-interventional studies. Studies have revealed the value of endometrial thickness, pattern and Doppler examination of endometrial uterine arteries in predicting the success of IVF treatment.

• What do the results of this study add? This prospective pilot study is the first one to use this programme in humans to evaluate uterine receptivity in IVF. Successful results can be obtained by using computer programmes in tissues where perfusion parameters cannot be measured using traditional colour Doppler ultrasonography. Revealing the relationship between tissue perfusion and IVF success will be more effective and accurate with the development of software technologies.

• What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? To increase the success of IVF treatment, current and new technological developments, as well as imaging methods should continue to be tested.

Keywords:

• Endometrial dynamic tissue perfusion
• implantation success
• Pixel Flux Chameleon Software

Acknowledgements

This work has been accepted as an oral presentation on XII. Turkish German Gynecologic Congress (April 27–May 01 2018 Kyrenia).

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.