Medical implications of ultrasonically detected polycystic ovaries

Polycystic ovaries are usually manifest on an ultrasound study as symmetrically enlarged ovaries containing numerous tiny cysts. The cysts are difficult to detect with conventional contact B-scanners but are readily detected with high-resolution, real-time sector scanners. The cysts range in diameter form 2 to 6 mm and may be arranged in the periphery of an ovary or throughout the parenchyma. In patients with ultrasonically demonstrated polycystic ovaries (aged 15 to 35 years), there is a spectrum of clinical findings. Half the patients have most of the classic signs and symptoms (hirsutism, menstrual irregularity, and obesity) associated with Stein-Leventhal syndrome. Twenty-five percent have variants of the syndrome. In another 25%, no clinical abnormality is evident at the time of an ultrasound examination.