Cytoplasmic pitting has a negative influence on implantation outcome.

Purpose: Since cytoplasmic pitting is a morphological phenomenon discussed controversially, this study was set up in order to assess the actual influence of cytoplasmic pitting on treatment outcome.

Methods: Four hundred and one patients undergoing 484 consecutive treatment cycles were evaluated retrospectively in order to assess the actual influence of pitting on treatment outcome.

Results: Pitting was found to be reduced in single culture as compared to group culture (p < 0.01). No correlation of cytoplasmic texture with rates of implantation and pregnancy could be observed, but a significantly higher proportion (p < 0.05) of gestational sacs vanished in the group with exclusive transfer of pitted embryos compared to the unaffected group. Obstetric and perinatal outcome was not affected.

Conclusions: It is possible that culture conditions favor cytoplasmic pitting, a morphological phenomenon which, in the extreme case, may result in early loss of gestation sacs.