title: The natural history of theca lutein cysts.
abstract: The histories of 386 patients with untreated hydatidiform mole were reviewed to define the clinical aspects of accompanying theca lutein cysts. These cysts occurred in 102 patients (26.4%), with three patients experiencing cyst-related complications. Mean cyst size at diagnosis was 7.3 cm (3-20 cm), and did not correlate with post-molar trophoblastic disease development. Bilateralism occurred more often in patients developing post-molar trophoblastic disease. In patients with post-molar trophoblastic disease, 83% (45 of 54) experienced theca lutein cyst regression and 16.7% an increase in cyst size with falling beta-hCG titers. Post-molar trophoblastic disease developed in 44 patients. Theca lutein cyst growth occurred in 31.8% of the patients with beta-hCG plateau/rise and in 4.5% with falling titers. Disappearance of theca lutein cysts before diagnosis of post-molar trophoblastic disease occurred in 31.8%. Theca lutein cysts persisted in three patients for long periods (15-18 weeks) after beta-hCG regression. We conclude that theca lutein cysts commonly accompany hydatidiform mole and are associated with an increased risk of post-molar trophoblastic disease, a risk that is higher with cyst bilateralism or severe complications of hydatidiform mole. Theca lutein cysts uncommonly have serious complications; their clinical behavior does not depend entirely on changes in beta-hCG levels, as cysts may persist for long periods after beta-hCG regression.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Los Angeles, California.
authors: F J
authors: FJ
authors: Montz
authors: J B
authors: JB
authors: Schlaerth
authors: C P
authors: CP
authors: Morrow
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000097:blood; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; D003338:Corpus Luteum / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006828:Hydatidiform Mole / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008184:Luteal Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D010048:Ovarian Cysts / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood; D010808:Physical Examination; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013799:Theca Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; D010446:Peptide Fragments