title: Doppler imaging in the diagnosis of ovarian disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pelvic ultrasonography remains the non-invasive imaging modality of choice for detecting and characterising adnexal masses. The use of Doppler ultrasound has improved the differential diagnosis of ovarian disease and helped to widen the understanding of the aetiology and possible pathophysiology of the various underlying conditions with an aim of improved diagnosis and management.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review describes the basis of different Doppler techniques and their application in ovarian disease. The present evidence is critically analysed in an attempt to define the current role of Doppler ultrasound of the ovaries. The technique holds promise in certain ovarian diseases but remains controversial in others.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Doppler ultrasound has a role in both the clinical and research settings. Clinically, it can be used to differentiate benign and malignant disease and help confirm diagnoses suggested on grey-scale imaging giving the user more confidence. Its use here, however, is generally restricted to a subjective impression of colour flow rather than a quantitative analysis of vascularity or blood flow velocity. These measures are more relevant in the research setting where quantitative Doppler is being used to clarify the possible underlying aetiology of various ovarian diseases such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and benign cysts. Doppler ultrasound has also been used in various models to evaluate the response to ovarian stimulation and the effect of surgery on the ovary.
authors.affiliation: University of Nottingham, School of Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics & Gynaecology , Nottingham , UK +44 0 115 823 1000 ; +44 0 115 823 0704 ; zeinajh@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Zeina
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Haoula
authors.forename: Ruta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Deshpande
authors.forename: Kannamannadiar
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jayaprakasan
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Raine-Fenning