Polycystic
Ovarian Sonogram
Polycystic ovaries (PCO) occur when there is a buildup of
small cystic follicles
(usually less than 1/2 inch each) when the ovary does not ovulate.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the association of PCO with infertility,
hair growth, abnormal hormones and missed periods. 20% of healthy women
with normal hormones have PCO but not PCOS.
A sonogram can determine if the ovaries are PCO but not if
PCOS is present. PCOS requires history or laboratory evaluation. The
sonogram has a compact enlarged central stroma surrounded by multiple small cysts,
usually of a similar size of about 8 mm.
PCO
appearance is contrasted with multicystic ovaries (MCO). The cystic areas in
this sonogram are 1 to 2 cm in size and were associated with clomiphene hyperstimulation. The central stromal
area in normal size.
A normal ovary also has small cystic areas called follicles that vary from
less than 4 mm up to 8 mm early in the cycle. This increase as ovulation
approaches and can be up to 30 mm with normal ovulation.
Additional information is available from the
Polycystic Ovarian
Syndrome Association.
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