Three-dimensional assessment of ultrasound features in women with clomiphene citrate-resistant polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): ovarian stromal volume does not correlate with biochemical indices.
BACKGROUND
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. The syndrome is characterized by a combination of polycystic ovarian morphology, clinical features and biochemical indices. The objective of this prospective observational study was to investigate the relationship between the total ovarian volume and the ovarian stromal volume, measured using a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound scan, with biochemical indices of PCOS.


METHODS
Twenty-three infertile women (mean age +/- SD: 31 +/- 3.1 years; range: 26-37) with clomiphene citrate-resistant PCOS were examined. Early follicular phase (days 2-4) serum FSH, LH and testosterone concentrations were measured following a withdrawal bleed. Total ovarian volume, stromal volume, pre-antral follicle (<10 mm) number and total follicular volume were measured by 3D transvaginal ultrasound.


RESULTS
Total ovarian volume, follicular volume and follicle number correlated positively with serum FSH and LH, but not testosterone, concentrations. Ovarian stromal volume correlated strongly with total ovarian volume only, but not with serum FSH, LH or testosterone concentrations.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings demonstrate an association of the total ovarian volume, pre-antral follicle number and total follicular volume with some of the biochemical indices of PCOS, but no association was observed between ovarian stromal volume and these indices.
Nardo
Luciano G
LG
Department of Reproductive Medicine and Science, Imperial College, St Mary's Hospital, Mint Wing, Praed Street, London W2 1PG, UK. lnardogyn@hotmail.com
Buckett
William M
WM
White
Davina
D
Digesu
Alessandro G
AG
Franks
Stephen
S
Khullar
Vik
V
D000328:Adult; D002996:Clomiphene / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005260:Female; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D014463:Ultrasonography
D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D002996:Clomiphene; D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone