The role of ultrasonography in the evaluation of endometrial receptivity following assisted reproductive treatments: a critical review

Abstract

We set out to estimate the value of ultrasonographic parameters as prognostic indicators of implantation following in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer. Our survey included 414 natural cycles, 3558 cycles following ovarian stimulation for IVF and embryo transfer, and 411 cycles with hormone replacement therapy for oocyte donation, reviewing 27 reports identified in a computerized literature research. The ultrasonographic prognostic indicators for implantation evaluated included peri-ovulatory endometrial thickness and pattern and Doppler measurements of uterine artery blood flow. Topics include: definitions of the ultrasonographic parameters proposed to evaluate uterine receptivity; the clinical context in which they were used; the proposed optimal timing for sonographic evaluation; and, finally, their actual correlation with pregnancy rate following assisted reproductive technologies. For various sonographic parameters, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, sensitivity and specificity were calculated, based on published data. Sonographic parameters had a high negative predictive value and sensitivity, but a limited positive predictive value and low specificity. Several confounding factors may influence the interpretation of reports, and the statistical evaluation sometimes lacks calculation of the positive and negative predictive values of the parameters examined. Although ultrasonographic parameters of endometrial receptivity have a strong negative value in setting some minimum criteria, their value as prognostic indicators for implantation following embryo transfer has yet to be proved.