The role of ultrasonography in treating polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Repeated ultrasound imaging was performed in 23 cases of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO). Diagnosis was established on the basis of the clinical picture, the endocrine parameters and on that of ultrasonographic findings. Almost all patients presented with oligomenorrhoea and also hirsutism, and obesity appeared in more than half of the cases. The hormonal picture was characterized by elevated LH and testosterone, by a higher than the upper limit of the normal range of oestradiol and low progesterone levels. In 18 cases, ultrasonography documented enlarged bilateral ovaries containing several small cysts. Repeated examinations proved the permanent absence of follicular maturation and ovulation. In additional five patients, the size of ovaries was slightly larger than normal with no microcystic change being present. According to the authors, ultrasonography is particularly useful in the noninvasive diagnostics of PCO syndrome, in judging better the borderline cases and in adjusting the ovulation induction therapy. If a combined chemotherapy administered in a gradually increasing dose keeps on being ineffective in eliminating chronic anovulation, the only possible procedure is surgical solution, that is bilateral wedge resection of the ovaries.