Follicle measurements using sonography-based automated volume count accurately predict the yield of mature oocytes in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles.

AIMS

We define criteria to predict the number of mature oocytes using automated three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound follicle measurements.

METHODS

Fifty in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients underwent automated 3D echographic monitoring by a single researcher following the stimulation procedure. Classic criteria for triggering oocyte maturation as defined in the literature were utilized. 3D parameters, including the follicular volume and follicle diameter calculated from the volume measurement, were related to the oocyte count, mature oocyte count and the number of observed fertilized oocytes.

RESULTS

We found that when oocyte maturation was induced, 55% of the total follicles with a diameter of at least 10 mm had a volume of at least 1.5 cm³. The number of mature eggs that were retrieved was correlated with the number of follicles observed with a volume of at least 1 cm³ or a calculated follicle diameter of at least 12 mm.

CONCLUSION

Sonography-based automated volume count measurements of follicle volume and reconstructed follicle diameter can be used to reliably predict the number of mature oocytes.