Predictive Value of Uterine Sonoelastography on the Outcome of IVF Treatment

Abstract

Objective: The knowledge of factors that influence the outcome of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) has increased significantly over time, yet remains insufficient. This prospective study was designed to evaluate whether uterine sonoelastography could be a tool to predict the outcome. Materials and Methods: Patients who were to undergo the first cycle of IVF treatment were enrolled for 3 months. Sonoelastography using acoustic radiation force impulse technology was performed just before the embryo transfer in patients without a uterine abnormality. The association between the sonoelastography measurements and outcomes was evaluated. Results: This study included 110 patients, with a pregnancy rate of 33.6%. None of the elastography measurements alone had a significant effect on the outcome, however the ratio between the measurements obtained from each half of the posterior uterine wall was significantly higher in the women who conceived compared with those who did not (controls) (1.18 vs. 0.96; p=0.01). Multivariate analysis indicated that the ratio was associated with the outcome. Conclusion: The preliminary results of the study suggest a possible relationship between the posterior uterine wall elasticity index and the outcome of IVF treatment. Further larger studies are needed to confirm this result and to develop an examination protocol.