DIAGNOSIS OF THE LUTEINIZED UNRUPTURED FOLLICLE SYNDROME BY STEROID HORMONE ASSAYS ON PERITONEAL FLUID

Abstract

The luteinized unrupture follicle syndrome is a frequent phenomenon occurring in 1/2 of the women with regular cycles and infertility. Progesterone [P] concentrations and 17.beta.-estradiol [E2] concentrations were assayed in peritoneal fluid of women during the luteal phase. Up to day 20 of the cycle, the concentrations were significantly higher in women with an ovulation stigma than in women without an ovulation stigma on their corpus luteum. The concentration range was sufficiently different in the early luteal phase to be used diagnostically, the only limitation being the presence of a cystic corpus luteum. The assay of P and E2 in peritoneal fluid should be done in all women with infertility and biphasic basal body temperature charts to diagnose the luteinize unruptured follicle syndrome.