The role of vascularisation of the corpus luteum in the short luteal phase studied by Doppler ultrasound.

One hundred infertility patients were investigated by Doppler ultrasound and 17 were found to have a short luteal phase (< 10 days) (SLP), which is regarded a subgroup of luteal insufficiency (LPD). The vascularisation within the corpus luteum (CL) was investigated using vaginal Doppler ultrasound. The values were compared with those of a control material. In both groups the resistance to blood flow was lowest on the fifth postovulatory day and grew from the ninth postovulatory day towards the end of the luteal phase. The results in these groups did not differ significantly. In both groups serum progesterone values had a slight negative correlation with pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) measured within the CL. The defect in vascularisation of the CL is not a reason for SLP, and Doppler ultrasound measurements from the CL do not help in the diagnosis of SLP.