[Echography in gonadal dysgenesis and ovarian dystrophy (author's transl)]

Pelvic ultrasound examination was performed in 28 patients presenting with disorder in the onset of puberty (13 suggesting gonadal dysgenesis and 15, ovarian hyperandrogenism). Results of this investigation were compared with those of coelioscopy, in order to establish the respective value of each technique in the diagnosis of disorders of puberty in girls. In patients with gonadal dysgenesis, echography may show 'residual gonads but coelioscopy remains necessary when results of radiologic investigation are negative, when clinical or hormonal data suggest that ovarian function is present. Ultrasound examination showed one or two enlarged ovaries in all but one patients in whom coelioscopy had shown this abnormality. Pelvic echography is now the first test to be performed in girls with disorders of puberty as it often permits to avoid coelioscopy.