Remote assessment of ovarian response and follicular status using visual analysis of ultrasound images

Computer assisted evaluation of ultrasonographic image attributes indicativ e of viability and atresia of ovarian follicles has the potential to become an integral part of ovarian superstimulation protocols. However, in many c ases, animal handling facilities, laboratories providing image analysis sen ices and the individual making clinical decisions are geographically separ ated. The feasibility of remote assessment of follicular status and ovarian response to superstimulation is demonstrated using internet and video conf erencing techniques. A cohort of heifers (n=6) was subjected to ovarian sup erstimulation. Ultrasound images of the ovarian responses were digitally ac quired and transmitted to a distant laboratory for quantitative assessment. Images from follicles which ovulated in response to luteolysis and GnRH tr eatments were visually and quantitatively different from follicles committe d to atresia. Two types of atresia were observed; images of non-ovulatory f ollicles were characterized as being reflective of the potential to develop into either follicular or luteal cysts. It is probable that the response o f individual follicles to the pharmacologic agents used for ovarian superst imulation and ovulation induction may be as important as the total number o f follicles recruited. Thus, assessment of the progress and fates of indivi dual follicles may be used to tailor ovarian stimulation to individual dono r animals to increase the probability of successful ovarian stimulation and embryo production. The use of the internet for data transfer, image analys is and clinical evaluation places the prospects of providing useful informa tion within the grasp of practitioners who wish to have access to the biolo gical information, but do not wish to invest in the equipment required to m ake quantitative assessments of visual data. (C) 1998 by Elsevier Science I nc.