Comparison of advantages of three-dimensional and two-dimensional ultrasound in embryo transfer / 中华超声影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To compare the advantages of three-dimensional(3D) and two-dimensional(2D) ultrasound in embryo transfer. Methods A total of 319 patients accepted embryo transfter were included in this study. 2D and 3D ultrasound were used to investigate the uterine cavity and transfer distance from the fundus (TDF),respectivly. They were divided into four groups according to TDF difference(D-TDF) between 2D and 3D ultrasound(group of DTDF<3mm,group of DTDF3～5mm,group of 6～9 mm,group of DTDF≥10 mm. Pregnancy outcomes among the four groups were compared. Results Of the 319 patients, 41 were observed to have abnormal uterine cavity. For 140 patients, the TDF measured by 2D ultrasound were different from that measured by 3D ultrasound. Clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate were found lowest in group of TDF≥10 mm mm (7.7% vs 34.1%,38.1% ,40.0% and 3.6% vs 18.2% ,21.2% ,20.0%, P <0.05). Conclusions 2D ultrasound is limit and deficient for embryo transfer, especially for the visualization of uterine cavity and location of catheter tip, however, it may be better achieved with 3D ultrasound. It is helpful to use the 3D ultrasound to place the catheter tip accurately and improve the pregnancy rate of embryo transfer.