Preimplantation 3D ultrasound: current uses and challenges

Sushila Arya, Sanja Kupesic Plavsic, Sanja Plavsic
Journal of perinatal medicine · 2017 · vol. 45(6) , pp. 745–758 · doi:10.1515/jpm-2016-0361 · PMID:28063264 · W2567785193
review OA: closed CC0
View on OpenAlex View on PubMed View at publisher
⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-08 ⓘ

This review outlines current uses of preimplantation 3D ultrasound for optimizing assisted reproductive technique outcomes, detailing examination of uterine and adnexal structures and recommending specific modalities like SIS and Hy-Co-Sy.

One-sentence paraphrase of the abstract; not a substitute for reading it. No clinical advice. How this works

Abstract

The preimplantation ultrasound (US) refers to targeted imaging of the uterus and adnexa prior to assisted reproductive techniques (ART) to optimize the infertility treatment outcomes. After a thorough evidence based literature review, we propose the use of transvaginal three-dimensional (3D) US during the early follicular phase. A systematic approach for 3D US examination consists of a detailed examination of the uterine shape, size and contour, evaluation of the endometrial thickness, volume, pattern and vascularity, and assessment of the junctional zone regularity, echogenicity and thickness. Uterine anatomy is explored in the coronal plane by simultaneous visualization of the uterine cavity, the external surface of the fundus and cervix. Saline infusion sonogram (SIS) is recommended for patients with increased endometrial volume, abnormal endometrial pattern and irregular uterine cavity shape suggestive of Müllerian duct anomalies or acquired intracavitary abnormalities. Myometrial lesions should be recognized and proper dimensions and locations should be ascertained. Ovarian dimensions and volume are measured and the antral follicle count is recorded. Adnexa are carefully assessed for masses, endometriosis and dilated tubes. Color power Doppler US may be applied to evaluate vascularity of the ovaries and pelvic lesions. Hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography (Hy-Co-Sy) should be optimally utilized for assessment of tubal patency. Accessibility and mobility of the ovaries should be checked in real time for better planning of the ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval. The cul-de-sac is assessed for the presence of free fluid or masses.

My notes (saved in your browser only)

Condition tags

endometriosisinfertility

MeSH descriptors

Reproductive Techniques, Assisted Ultrasonography Uterine Diseases Uterus Female Humans Imaging, Three-Dimensional Uterine Diseases Uterus Uterus

Citation neighborhood

Papers in the corpus that this work cites (lower rings, blue) and that cite this one (upper rings, green). Dot size scales with the paper's in-corpus citation count — bigger dot = more influential within the endo/adeno field. Click a dot to open that paper. [ expand to 2 hops ] — adds papers reached through this work's immediate citers/citees. Heavier; up to 60 extra dots.

References (50)

Source provenance

europepmc
last seen: 2026-06-19T06:14:56.452680+00:00
openalex
last seen: 2026-06-04T00:00:01.174412+00:00
pubmed
last seen: 2026-05-13T22:20:37.704673+00:00
unpaywall
last seen: 2026-06-19T06:35:33.578913+00:00
License: CC0 · commercial use OK