True ovarian volume is underestimated by two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound measurement.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate a possible difference between true ovarian volume and ovarian volume estimated with two-dimensional (2D) transvaginal ultrasound.


METHODS
Prospective clinical and laboratory study.


METHODS
University hospital research laboratory.


METHODS
Premenopausal girls and women from three Danish national fertility centers (A: n = 42; B: n = 6; C: n = 18), who had one entire ovary removed for cryopreservation of ovarian cortex.


METHODS
Transvaginal 2D ultrasound measurement of ovarian volume before oophorectomy. True ovarian volume was obtained by weighing the ovary.


METHODS
Ovarian volume estimated by weight and ultrasound.


RESULTS
Ovarian tissue density was 1.00 g/mL. Mean ovarian volume by ultrasound vs. weight in the three groups was as follows: A: 6.3 mL vs. 7.8 mL; B: 5.4 mL vs. 6.8 mL; and C: 2.8 mL vs. 6.1 ml. Ovarian volume obtained by ultrasound was at least 27% smaller than the true ovarian volume.


CONCLUSIONS
Ovarian volume was severely underestimated by transvaginal 2D ultrasound measurement.
Rosendahl
Mikkel
M
Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. mikkel.rosendahl@rh.regionh.dk
Ernst
Erik
E
Rasmussen
Per Emil
PE
Andersen
Claus Yding
CY
D000328:Adult; D054304:Anti-Mullerian Hormone; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000009:adverse effects; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology; D008558:Melphalan / Q000009:adverse effects; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010052:Ovariectomy; D010053:Ovary / Q000166:cytology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*; D014621:Vagina
D007074:Immunoglobulin G; C051713:antineoplastic agent K 18; D054304:Anti-Mullerian Hormone; D008558:Melphalan