S Jain1, M E Dalton. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospitals (Heavitree), United Kingdom.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To study the development of chocolate cysts by serial transvaginal ultrasonographic tracking of ovarian follicles. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, United Kingdom. PATIENT(S): We reviewed case notes of all patients who underwent laparoscopy for diathermy to endometriosis/ovarian diathermy/aspiration of ovarian cysts from 1989 to 1998. Twelve women with histories of infertility and proven chocolate cysts with documented ultrasonographic findings were included in the study. INTERVENTION(S): Serial ultrasonographic tracking of ovarian follicles in the cycle leading to the development of the chocolate cysts, followed by ultrasonographic tracking of cysts for 3 months and laparoscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Development and formation of chocolate cysts. RESULT(S): The diagnosis of chocolate cysts was confirmed laparoscopically in all patients and histopathologically in four. Ultrasound confirmed that they had all developed from follicles. CONCLUSION(S): Chocolate cysts can develop from ovarian follicles.
OBJECTIVE: To study the development of chocolate cysts by serial transvaginal ultrasonographic tracking of ovarian follicles. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, United Kingdom. PATIENT(S): We reviewed case notes of all patients who underwent laparoscopy for diathermy to endometriosis/ovarian diathermy/aspiration of ovarian cysts from 1989 to 1998. Twelve women with histories of infertility and proven chocolate cysts with documented ultrasonographic findings were included in the study. INTERVENTION(S): Serial ultrasonographic tracking of ovarian follicles in the cycle leading to the development of the chocolate cysts, followed by ultrasonographic tracking of cysts for 3 months and laparoscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Development and formation of chocolate cysts. RESULT(S): The diagnosis of chocolate cysts was confirmed laparoscopically in all patients and histopathologically in four. Ultrasound confirmed that they had all developed from follicles. CONCLUSION(S): Chocolate cysts can develop from ovarian follicles.