The Role of Transvaginal Two‐Dimensional Ultrasound Combined With Color Doppler in the Evaluation of Ovarian Function and Fertility After Uterine Artery Embolization

Abstract

Objective Our study seeks to assess the value of transvaginal two‐dimensional ultrasound combined with color Doppler in evaluating ovarian function and reproductive function after uterine artery embolization (UAE). Methods Totally 64 cases with cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) were collected. Their information was recorded, including baseline information, intraoperative and postoperative information, preoperative and postoperative uterine receptivity, and preoperative and postoperative levels of sex hormones in serum. Finally, the patients were followed up to observe whether they were pregnant after treatment. Results In comparison with 24 hours after UAE, decreases were found in endometrial blood flow pulsatility index (PI), endometrial thickness, ovarian artery peak end‐systolic velocity (Vs), ovarian artery resistance index (RI), and the ratio of Vs to peak end‐diastolic velocity (S/D) 1 and 3 months after embolization, while Vd increased markedly 3 months after embolization. In addition, in terms of sex hormones, a significant increase was revealed in the level of follicle‐stimulating hormone, while the reduction in the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen (E2), prolactin (PRL), and progesterone (P) in the first month and the third month of menstrual resumption compared with those before treatment. From the follow‐up data, there were 50 cases of pregnancy, including 45 cases of intrauterine pregnancy, 2 cases of tubal pregnancy, and 3 cases of recurrent CSP. Conclusion UAE is a safe and effective method to prevent massive hemorrhage of CSP. Transvaginal two‐dimensional ultrasound combined with color Doppler can more accurately evaluate its therapeutic effect and provide a basis for effective treatment.

A comparison of Doppler measures of ovarian blood flow between women with and without ovarian dysfunction and correlations of Doppler indices with ovarian dysfunction markers: a meta-analysis

“…Ultrasonography has an important role in reproductive medicine and assisted reproductive technologies because of its utility for several purposes including ovarian response monitoring, assessment of endometrial receptivity, transvaginal aspiration of oocytes, transcervical transfer of the embryo to the uterus, pregnancy monitoring, and fetal health assessment. It is also used to measure ovarian volume, antral follicular count (AFC), ovarian stromal blood flow, and to evaluate ovarian function after vascular embolization (3)(4)(5)(6).…”