Radiological appearances of corpus luteum cysts and their imaging mimics

To review the radiological appearances of corpus luteum cysts and their imaging mimics.

Corpus luteum cysts are normal post-ovulatory structures seen in the ovaries through the second half of the menstrual cycle and the first trimester of pregnancy. The typical appearance, across all modalities, is of a 1- to 3-cm cyst with a thick crenulated vascularized wall. Occasionally, similar imaging findings may be seen with endometrioma, ectopic pregnancy, tuboovarian abscess, red degeneration of a fibroid, and ovarian neoplasia. In most cases, imaging findings are distinctive and allow for a confident and accurate diagnosis that provides reassurance for patients and referring physicians and avoids costly unnecessary follow-up.