A Uterine Motion Classification in MRI Data for Female Infertility

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Uterine peristalsis plays a crucial role in reproductive processes.
• Understanding complex uterine movements is essential for diagnosing infertility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To classify intricate uterine movements captured via MRI.
• To explore the correlation between uterine peristalsis and female infertility.

Main Methods:

• Classified uterine movements into six fundamental types based on motility and direction.
• Developed a computer simulation model for uterine movements.
• Validated the simulation model against real MRI data.

Main Results:

• The six fundamental movements successfully reproduced complex uterine movements observed in MRI scans.
• A point and surface vibration model accurately mimicked uterine movements at a propagation velocity of 0.68 mm/sec.
• Analysis of 26 MRI scans identified two fundamental movements as potential factors in female infertility.

Conclusions:

• Established a classification system for uterine movements using MRI.
• Identified specific uterine movement patterns linked to female infertility.
• The findings provide a basis for further research into the biomechanics of infertility.