The diagnosis of functional ovarian cysts using transvaginal ultrasound combined with clinical parameters, CA125 determinations, and color Doppler.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the role of transvaginal ultrasound combined with clinical parameters, CA125 determinations, and color Doppler in the differentiation between functional cysts and other adnexal masses.

STUDY

DESIGN

Two hundred and eighty-seven consecutive persistent adnexal masses were submitted to B-mode transvaginal ultrasonography associated with color and power Doppler imaging. Plasma CA125 concentrations were measured before surgery.

RESULTS

According to the obtained logistic regression equation, the presence of anechoic tumors without echogenic portions or septa and CA125 <25IU/ml was associated with a 75% probability of presence of follicular cysts. The visualization of fine trabecular jelly-like content or of a heterogeneous mass with hypoechoic content, absent or only peripheral arterial flow, and age <40 years was associated with a 56% probability of presence of luteal cysts.

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of findings to B-mode ultrasonography can help to differentiate functional cysts from other adnexal masses.