Three-dimensional sonography-based automated volume calculation (SonoAVC) versus two-dimensional manual follicular tracking in in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the predictive value of manual two-dimensional follicular monitoring with that of sonography-based automated volume calculation (SonoAVC) in routine follicular tracking in in vitro fertilization (IVF).

METHODS

A prospective study was undertaken of women undergoing IVF with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation at a center in New Delhi, India, between October and November 2013. Follicular monitoring was performed both manually and in three dimensions with SonoAVC. On the day of oocyte retrieval, the follicular count and dimensions were calculated with both techniques and correlated with the number of oocytes retrieved.

RESULTS

Overall, 46 patients and 91 ovaries were studied. The mean times taken to perform manual and SonoAVC measurements were 209.2 ± 47.4 s and 156.6 ± 38.6 s, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean follicular count was significantly lower when measured manually than with SonoAVC (8.46 ± 3.35 vs 9.91 ± 4.60; P = 0.016). However, the mean leading follicle diameter measured manually (19.45 ± 2.46 mm) was similar to both the mean diameter (21.12 ± 2.65 mm) and the volume-based diameter (19.56 ± 2.16 mm) measured with SonoAVC.

CONCLUSION

Three-dimensional SonoAVC could be a useful adjunct for follicular monitoring, with a significant reduction in time and a good correlation with manual counts. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are required.