[Luteinization of unruptured follicles during clomiphene treatment]

Twenty-eight anovulatory, infertile patients under clomiphene (cc) treatment were studied. Ovarian function was ascertained through BBT, cervical score (cs) and serial hormonal assays. Follicular development and ovulatory events were monitored by serial ultrasonography. Of a total of 66 treatment cycles, 49 presented ovulatory responses, but only 28 cycles showed actual ovulation (42.4% of total; 57.1% of ovulatory response cycles); follicles in 21 cycles were unruptured but luteinized (LUF) (31.8% of total; 42.9% of ovulatory response cycles); deficient follicular development occurred in 17 cycles. With analysis of parameters investigated and hormonal assays, the characteristics of LUF and some factors involved in its development are discussed.