Title
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How reproducible are 2-dimensional ultrasonographic follicular diameter measurements from stored 3-dimensional files of ovarian scanning?
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Author
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Abstract
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Aim: To investigate intra-and inter-observer variability in 2-dimensional (2D) follicular measurements among midwives sub-specialized in medically assisted reproduction (MAR), using a new 3D tool imitating real-life ovarian scanning. Methods: Six 3D ultrasound volumes from stimulated ovaries were recorded and stored on the ultrasound device (Voluson I, GE Healthcare). Two junior midwives (with 6-36 months' ultrasound scanning experience) and 5 seniors (>36 months' experience) assessed the number of follicles per ovary and the average size of each follicle >= 10 mm off-line. There were 2 time points of measurement by each midwife with a mean interval of 12.7 weeks (+/- 10.7). Intra-and interobserver variability in the number of follicles, the mean follicle size and the diameter of the largest follicle were investigated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: There was no significant intra-or inter-observer variability among midwives in the evaluation of the number of follicles, their diameter or the diameter of the largest follicle, even when juniors and seniors were compared. Conclusions: These data support the view that well-trained midwives can perform 2D follicle measurements to monitor MAR treatment in a reproducible way, and that prerecorded 3D volumes can also be used for quality control purposes. 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel |
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Language
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English
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Source (journal)
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Gynecologic and obstetric investigation. - Basel
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Publication
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Basel
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2014
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ISSN
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0378-7346
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DOI
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10.1159/000358396
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Volume/pages
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77
:3
(2014)
, p. 163-168
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ISI
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000334155000004
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Full text (Publisher's DOI)
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