ABSTRACT
To date, the morphological evaluation of cleavage-stage embryos and blastocysts remains the gold standard in ARTs, and it is routinely applied in IVF laboratories. However, because embryo viability seems to reect the intrinsic developmental potential of the originating gametes, in the past few years, the assessment of oocyte quality has gained increased consideration, leading to a blossoming of the literature. In this regard, several morphological features have been proposed as earlier markers predictive of developmental competence and implantation. Nevertheless, the contradictory results obtained so far underline the importance of further research to reach a consensus as well as the parallel development of novel noninvasive tests for the assessment of oocyte quality [3].
To date, the rst-line oocyte quality assessment relies on the morphological classication of the cumuluscorona-oocyte complex (CCOC) and, above all, on the correct identication of mature denuded eggs. This latter analysis is surely a primary goal for the choice of appropriate oocytes for insemination purposes, yet it is not devoid of difculties and interpretational misunderstandings.
