The diagnosis of functional ovarian cysts using transvaginal ultrasound combined with clinical parameters, CA125 determinations, and color Doppler

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of transvaginal ultrasound combined with clinical parameters, CA125 determinations, and color Doppler in the differentiation between functional cysts and other adnexal masses. STUDY DESIGN: Two hundred and eighty-seven consecutive persistent adnexal masses were submitted to B-mode transvaginal ultrasonography associated with color and power Doppler imaging. Plasma CA125 concentrations were measured before surgery. RESULTS: According to the obtained logistic regression equation, the presence of anechoic tumors without echogenic portions or septa and CA125 <25IU/ml was associated with a 75% probability of presence of follicular cysts. The visualization of fine trabecular jelly-like content or of a heterogeneous mass with hypoechoic content, absent or only peripheral arterial flow, and age <40 years was associated with a 56% probability of presence of luteal cysts. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of findings to B-mode ultrasonography can help to differentiate functional cysts from other adnexal masses.