Chocolate cysts 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.