Three dimensional endometrial volume versus endometrial thickness measurement in prediction of IVF/ICSI outcome*

Objective: To investigate the role of estimating endometrial volume and it's correlation with endometrial thickness, on the day of hCG, in prediction of IVF outcome.
Design: A prospective clinical study.
Materials and methods: Endometrial volume and endometrial thickness were measured in women undergoing an IVF/ICSI cycle, on the day of HCG, using the 3 D transvaginal ultrasound probe (Sonoace 9900 Medison -Kretz , korea). Patients were divided according to endometrial volume calculated into 3 subgroups; < 2ml, 2-4ml, and >4 ml, as well as according to endometrial thickness into 3 groups; <8mm, 8-12mm and >12mm. Pregnancy rates were compared between all groups.
Results: The study included 103 women with no significant difference in background characteristics between all subgroups. The pregnancy rates between the three groups of endometrial volume; <2ml, 2-4ml, and >4 ml was; 42%, 36% and 48% respectively. Pregnancy rates between the three groups of endometrial thickness was 25%, 40% and 50 % for <8mm, 8-12and >12mm respectively. There was no significant difference in pregnancy rates between all groups in relation to both endometrial volume and endometrial thickness.
Conclusion: Endometrial volume on day of hCG is not a better predictor than endometrial thickness for determining outcome of IVF/ICSI cycles.