Corpus Luteum Doppler in Prediction of First Trimester Pregnancy Outcome

The synthesis of progesterone by corpus luteum is extremely important for the maintenance of normal pregnancy in the first seven weeks. Similarly, the production of progesterone by the placental syncytiotrophoblast increases progressively during the first weeks of gestation, so that in eight and a half weeks the placenta and corpus luteum contribute in equal amounts of progesterone. However, from the eighth week, the placental contribution is sufficient to maintain gestation. Angiogenesis in the corpus luteum occurs under physiologic circumstances in each menstrual cycle and functionally is very important for maintenance of early pregnancy. This role implies a potential correlation between abnormal function of corpus luteum and possible abnormal pregnancy including abortion. Using color Doppler sonography, it was feasible to distinguish the ovary containing an active corpus luteum from the inactive ovary. The technique is simple to use, and the results are displayed obviously.