The corpus luteum was investigated in 18 @entity1 undergoing hysterectomy. Preoperative ultrasonography with measurements was performed before the corpus luteum was extirpated, weighed, inspected and the diameters were measured. The concentrations of @entity1420 and @entity53 were also determined in peripheral serum. The ultrasound pictures show that the corpus luteum has a slightly cloudy central part, which can vary from hypoechoic to hyperechoic. The peripheral part (corpus luteum 'wall') has a stronger echo and the maximal and minimal thicknesses can be measured. The results showed correlations between ultrasound measurements and anatomical measurements for wall thickness, outer diameter, inner diameter and wall area of the corpus luteum (n = 12, p < 0.02-0.0001). Moreover, all @entity17323 with a @entity14495 (five of 13 @entity1 ) on ultrasound scan had a cystic central structure. Based on these findings, we suggest that an ultrasound investigation of the corpus luteum in the mid-luteal phase should use the following criteria to classify it into four types. Type a: @entity14495 with wall of < 3 mm; type b: hyperechoic central part with wall of < 3 mm; type c: @entity14495 with wall of >or= 3 mm; and type d: hyperechoic central part with wall of >or= 3 mm. The finding of a hypoechoic central region with a thin wall (< 3 mm) may indicate @entity1887 , since significantly lower serum @entity1420 levels were found in @entity1 with this type of corpus luteum.

Investigation of the XXXX corpus luteum by ultrasonography: a proposed scheme for clinical investigation.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['women'] @entity1420 :: ('MESH:D011374', 'Chemical') :: ['progesterone'] @entity1887 :: ('MESH:D000309', 'Disease') :: ['corpus luteal insufficiency'] @entity53 :: ('MESH:D004958', 'Chemical') :: ['estradiol'] @entity14495 :: ('MESH:D018227', 'Disease') :: ['hypoechoic central part'] @entity17323 :: ('MESH:D019767', 'Disease') :: ['mid-luteal corpora lutea']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['human']
