Human Reproduction, Vol. 14, No. 3, 618-621,
March 1999
© 1999 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
Ovarian stromal echogenicity in women with normal and polycystic ovaries
1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, 687 Avenue des Pins Ouest, 2 Département d'obstetrique et gynécologie, Université de Montréal, Hôpital Ste Justine and 3 Department of Radiology, McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3A 1A1
Since the widespread use of transvaginal ultrasound to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a cardinal feature has been shown to be the presence of a bright, highly echogenic stroma. This is usually assessed subjectively. The objective of this study was to determine whether ovarian stromal echogenicity when measured objectively actually differed between women with polycystic ovaries and those with normal ovaries. A total of 67 women underwent a detailed ultrasound assessment before considering assisted conception treatment. Ovarian morphology was assessed and total ovarian volume, stromal volume, peak stromal blood flow velocity and mean stromal echogenicity were measured. The stromal index (ratio of mean stromal echogenicity to mean echogenicity of the entire ovary) and total stromal echogenicity were also calculated. Ovarian volume, stromal volume, and stromal peak blood flow velocity were all significantly higher in ovaries from women with PCOS. There was no difference in the mean stromal echogenicity, although the stromal index was significantly greater in women with polycystic ovaries. The apparent subjective increase in stromal echogenicity in women with polycystic ovaries, as exemplified by the greater stromal index, is due to a combination of the increased volume of ovarian stroma and the significantly lower mean echogenicity of the entire ovary in these women.
Key words: echogenicity/ovary/polycystic ovary syndrome/stroma/ultrasound
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