Factors associated with ovarian loss and surgical intervention for perinatal ovarian cysts

Perinatal ovarian cysts may spontaneously resolve or cause ovarian torsion. Cyst size and appearance often guide surgical decision making. The natural history of these cysts and impact of perinatal interventions on ovarian outcomes remain unclear. We investigated the association of various clinical parameters with operative intervention and ovarian loss.

Infants with ovarian cysts meeting our definition of perinatal (diagnosed between 15 weeks gestational age and 1 year) from November 2006-January 2022 were identified. Cysts were characterized by size, morphology, laterality, and evolution. Outcome measures included resolution, ovarian loss, and operative intervention. Mann-Whitney U and Fisher exact tests were used. Optimal maximal size cutoffs were obtained using ROC curves.

Sixty-two female patients with perinatal ovarian cysts were identified. Spontaneous resolution occurred in 35, prenatally and postnatally, with follow-up length averaging 186 days. Of 18 undergoing cystectomies, 9 revealed non-viable ovaries. Overall ovarian loss rate was 29%. Loss occurred more frequently with large, complex, and right-sided cysts (P < 0.05) but some complex cysts also resolved spontaneously. Operative intervention occurred more frequently with larger cysts (P=<0.001) and was associated with ovarian salvage when performed earlier (P = 0.008) on larger cysts (P = 0.02). Maximal cyst diameter > 4.05 cm predicted ovarian loss with 78% sensitivity, 64% specificity (AUC = 0.67,95%CI = 0.54-0.81, P = 0.04). Maximal cyst diameter > 4.55 cm predicted surgery with 83% sensitivity, 82% specificity (AUC = 0.86,95%CI = 0.77-0.96, P < 0.001).

29% of perinatal ovarian cysts resulted in ovarian loss. 56% resolved spontaneously (prenatal and postnatal resolution) including some complex cysts. Cysts that were postnatally complex and maximally > 4 cm had higher rates of ovarian loss and operative intervention. Earlier postnatal operative intervention was associated with ovarian preservation. Standardized imaging (such as the IOTA terminology) and management protocols are needed to better understand behavior and improve treatment of these cysts.