Colour power Doppler in infertility and ART

Abstract

In infertility and in assisted conception, the ultimate objective is to understand which are the markers identifying good changes of conception. Although our knowledge of early pregnancy development has recently improved, little is known about the most critical period of human development – the implantation.

The female reproductive system vascularization seems to play an important role in oocyte developmental competence and uterine receptivity. Blood flow modifications in vascularization have been monitored using colour Doppler imaging in many studies. During the last decade, transvaginal colour Doppler has been used to understand the human development.

Power Doppler is a relatively new technique suitable for the study of follicular and endometrial microvasculature.

This review analyzes evidence that point out a relationship between ovarian and uterine vascularity and fertility.

Power Doppler indices of perifollicular vascularization may have a possible important application in assisted conception programs in selecting oocyte-embryos with superior implantation potential.

The degree of endometrial perfusion shown by power Doppler ultrasonography can indicate the more favourable endometrial milieu for successful in vitro fertilization.