Clinical applications of colour Doppler energy imaging in the female reproductive tract and pregnancy

This review describes the usefulness of colour Doppler energy (CDE) (or pow er Doppler) imaging to measure vascularization in the female reproductive t ract. CDE imaging is characterized by an increased sensitivity to how and t hus may be useful in low-flow states and when optimal Doppler angles cannot be obtained. In addition, longer segments of vessels and more individual v essels can be visualized with CDE imaging. The role of CDE imaging in the e valuation of stromal vasculature in normal and in polycystic ovaries is des cribed, and the relationship between follicular vascularity and outcome fol lowing in-vitro fertilization are discussed, together with the findings obt ained from the evaluation of thecal arteriole of corpus luteum in early pre gnancy. The fundamental role of CDE imaging in differentiation among ovaria n masses is also reviewed, We summarize the role of CDE imaging in pregnanc y, and describe two new applications of three-dimensional power Doppler son ography and the use of ultrasound contrast media. In conclusion, CDE imagin g can replace conventional colour Doppler when the information on the direc tion of flow is not useful. Moreover, the technique appears superior to oth ers for describing microvascular architecture and determining the presence or absence of flow.