COMPUTER-ASSISTED IMAGE-ANALYSIS, DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND OVULATION INDUCTION - STRANGE BEDFELLOWS

Computer-assisted image analysis and ultrasonographic assessment of ov arian follicular development are natural extensions of the technologic advances in diagnostic ultrasonography and ovulation induction therap y. The overall ovarian response, in addition to the growth profiles an d ultrasonographically detectable characteristics of individual follic les, doses and types of stimulatory agents may be interactively evalua ted as therapeutic manipulation of the ovaries unfolds. The physiologi c status of the follicles may be estimated and the therapy altered to optimize the ovarian response for individual patients. If reliable non -invasive techniques are developed, immediate improvement in the clini cal management of patients who have defects in follicular development and ovulation would follow. Follicles may be as individual as patients in their response to stimulation. Thus, assessment of the development and fates of individual follicles is critical in tailoring ovarian st imulation to individual patients in order td increase the probability of conception.