In vitro fertilization and embryo transfer outcomes in relation to myometrial thickness

Hyun Sik Youm, Young Sik Choi, Hyuck Dong Han
Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics · 2011 · vol. 28(11) , pp. 1135–1140 · doi:10.1007/s10815-011-9640-7 · PMID:21947758 · W2047786270
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06+body, 2026-06-07 ⓘ

Myometrial thickness greater than 2.50 cm adversely affects IVF-ET outcomes, with even milder thickening associated with poor results if sonographic signs of adenomyosis are present.

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⚙ AI-generated deep summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-07 · read from full text ⓘ

This study evaluated 551 IVF-ET cycles from 413 patients, stratifying participants by transvaginal ultrasound myometrial thickness into groups with <2.00 cm, 2.00–2.49 cm, or ≥2.50 cm. Implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates were significantly lower in the thickest group (≥2.50 cm), and abortion rates were significantly higher. Among the mild-thickening group (2.00–2.49 cm), patients with additional sonographic features suggestive of adenomyosis (myometrial striations, heterogeneous myometrium, myometrial cysts, or poor endometrial–myometrial junction definition) also had worse IVF-ET outcomes. This paper is centrally about adenomyosis-relevant imaging findings affecting IVF-ET outcomes—specifically, how myometrial thickening and sonographic markers suggestive of adenomyosis relate to embryo implantation, pregnancy, live birth, and abortion rates in IVF-ET.

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Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the effects of myometrial thickening on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).

Methods

Four hundred thirteen patients, a total of 551 IVF-ET cycles, were divided into group A (<2.00 cm), group B (2.00–2.49 cm), and group C (≥2.50 cm) based on myometrial thickness.

Results

The implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates were significantly lower in group C. The abortion rates were significantly higher in group C. Among patients in group B, cases with other sonographic findings suggestive of adenomyosis, such as myometrial striations, heterogeneous myometrium, myometrial cysts, and poor definition of the endometrial–myometrial junction showed lower implantation, clinical pregnancy, live birth rates, and higher abortion rates.

Conclusions

Myometrial thickening of more than 2.50 cm on TVUS exerts overall adverse effects on IVF-ET outcomes. Even with mild thickening (2.00–2.49 cm), the presence of sonographic findings suggestive of adenomyosis is associated with adverse outcomes of IVF-ET. Similar content being viewed by others

References

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mesh:D004715

MeSH descriptors

Fertilization in Vitro Myometrium Myometrium Pregnancy Rate Abortion, Induced Abortion, Induced Adult Embryo Transfer Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Female Humans Myometrium Pregnancy Pregnancy Complications Pregnancy Outcome Pregnancy Outcome Retrospective Studies Ultrasonography

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