The relationship between ovarian artery doppler and serum AMH levels in infertile female patients

Aim: Infertility, with its social and psychological impacts, is a public health issue. Doppler measurements of stromal vessels provide insights into ovarian reserve during infertility evaluation. The Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), which can be measured independently of the menstrual cycle and allows for biochemical assessment of ovarian reserve, has become a key marker in evaluating infertile patients. The literature does not provide conclusive evidence on whether hormonal reserve markers or ultrasonographic assessments are more beneficial, and studies investigating the relationship between them are limited. This study explores the relationship between serum AMH levels and ovarian artery Doppler in infertile women. Materials and Methods: Our study was completed with 84 female patients who presented with infertility. A control group was not used. At the time of admission, the patients' age, BMI, gravidity, parity, duration of infertility, and gynecological history were recorded and stored in case report forms. The patient group consisted of those who were followed up in our clinic for infertility, underwent routine tests as indicated, had hysterosalpingography (HSG) performed, and agreed to participate in the study voluntarily. Serum AMH, FSH, LH, and E2 levels were recorded from values measured on the third day of menstruation during previous clinic visits within the same cycle. Ovarian artery Doppler imaging was performed using a GE Voluson E8 color ultrasonography device (General Electric, United States of America) with a transvaginal GE RIC5-9-D 4–9 MHz probe on the third day of the menstrual cycle in the lithotomy position. After adjusting the insonation angle, Doppler measurements were taken. Findings: The study included 84 infertile patients who were grouped based on age, AMH level, HOMA-IR, and BMI values. The Student's t-test was used to compare normally distributed data in independent groups, while the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparing non-normally distributed data in independent groups. The Spearman test was applied for the correlation of variables with significant relationships. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between AMH and age, FSH, left S/D, and left RI. Additionally, a statistically significant negative correlation was observed between age and HOMA-IR, as well as between BMI and prolactin. Results: It was observed that the left S/D and left RI values of the ovarian artery Doppler parameters, which were evaluated on the third day of menstruation, had a significant negative correlation with AMH. However, these parameters were found to be insufficient on their own in predicting ovarian reserve.