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Chocolate cysts from ovarian follicles
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospitals (Heavitree), United Kingdom.
Objective:
To study the development of chocolate cysts by serial transvaginal ultrasonographic tracking of ovarian follicles.
Design:
Retrospective study.
Setting:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, United Kingdom.
Patient(S):
We reviewed case notes of all patients who underwent laparoscopy for diathermy to endometriosis/ovarian diathermy/aspiration of ovarian cysts from 1989 to 1998. Twelve women with histories of infertility and proven chocolate cysts with documented ultrasonographic findings were included in the study.
Intervention(S):
Serial ultrasonographic tracking of ovarian follicles in the cycle leading to the development of the chocolate cysts, followed by ultrasonographic tracking of cysts for 3 months and laparoscopy.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Development and formation of chocolate cysts.
Result(S):
The diagnosis of chocolate cysts was confirmed laparoscopically in all patients and histopathologically in four. Ultrasound confirmed that they had all developed from follicles.
Conclusion(S):
Chocolate cysts can develop from ovarian follicles.
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