title: Chocolate cysts from ovarian follicles.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the development of chocolate cysts by serial transvaginal ultrasonographic tracking of ovarian follicles.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, United Kingdom.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  Development and formation of chocolate cysts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The diagnosis of chocolate cysts was confirmed laparoscopically in all patients and histopathologically in four. Ultrasound confirmed that they had all developed from follicles.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Chocolate cysts can develop from ovarian follicles.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospitals (Heavitree), United Kingdom.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jain
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Dalton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019160:Endosonography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010048:Ovarian Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014621:Vagina