Chocolate cysts from ovarian follicles.
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.
Jain
S
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospitals (Heavitree), United Kingdom.
Dalton
M E
ME
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