Blood flow in functional cysts and benign ovarian neoplasms in premenopausal women.

To assess the value of transvaginal color Doppler sonography in the differentiation of functional cysts from benign ovarian neoplasms in premenopausal women, 100 premenopausal women with the diagnosis of adnexal mass were enrolled in a prospective study. All patients underwent transvaginal color Doppler sonography during the follicular phase. We evaluated 107 masses. Tumor volume and morphology were assessed, as were tumor blood flow location, the number of vessels, the resistive and pulsatility indices, and the peak systolic velocity. Patients were followed up after 8 to 10 weeks by transvaginal sonography. Functional cysts were considered when spontaneous resolution occurred. Surgery was performed if a tumor enlarged or persisted after two scans. Thirty-nine (36.5%) cysts regressed spontaneously and 68 (63.5%) were removed surgically. Seven of the latter were follicular or luteal cysts and were considered to be functional cysts. No carcinoma was found. Arterial blood flow was detected in 28 (60.8%) functional cysts and in 42 (68.8%) benign neoplasms (P = 0.3446). The vessels were located peripherally in 27 (94.6%) functional cysts and in 37 (88.1%) benign neoplasms (P = 0.2226). No differences were found between functional cysts and benign neoplasms in mean resistive index (0.65, 95% confidence interval: 0.59 to 0.71 versus 0.64, 95% confidence interval: 0.60 to 0.69), mean pulsatility index (1.47, 95% confidence interval: 1.17 to 1.84 versus 1.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.26 to 1.86), number of vessels (1.1, 95% confidence interval: 0.7 to 1.3 versus 1.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.1 to 1.8), and peak systolic velocity (28.6 cm/s, 95% confidence interval: 24.7 to 34.2 versus 24.9 cm/s, 95% confidence interval: 21.6 to 28.3). We concluded that transvaginal color Doppler sonography is not useful to discriminate between functional ovarian cysts and benign ovarian neoplasms in premenopausal women.     

Acoustic streaming in ovarian cysts.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that endometriomas do not show acoustic streaming and then to quantify the streaming velocity of the particles within ovarian cysts that do show acoustic streaming. METHODS: Ovarian cysts greater than 2 cm in diameter, with internal echoes seen on B-mode sonography, were prospectively evaluated for the presence of acoustic streaming. If acoustic streaming was present, a 2-mm pulsed Doppler sample volume was then placed within the distal portion of the cyst, and the streaming velocity was recorded. Follow-up included review of subsequent sonographic examinations, surgical notes, and histopathologic reports, with the latter being considered the final results if available. RESULTS: Acoustic streaming was detected in 10 (38%) of 26 ovarian cysts, but of the 10 endometriomas, none (0%) showed acoustic streaming (P = .002). Acoustic streaming was detected in 86% (n = 6) of cystadenomas. Four of these were serous cystadenomas, which all showed acoustic streaming, with a velocity range of 1.5 to 3.6 cm/s. Two mucinous cystadenomas showed acoustic streaming with velocities of 0.8 and 2.0 cm/s. CONCLUSIONS: Endometriomas appear as cysts containing homogeneous, low-level, "ground glass" echoes on gray scale sonography. Other types of ovarian cysts can also have these appearances. Endometriomas do not show acoustic streaming. Cystadenomas may have streaming velocities within a defined range. Acoustic streaming assessment may therefore prove to be an additional useful tool in assessing ovarian cysts and in completely excluding endometrioma as a diagnosis if a cyst shows acoustic streaming.     

Age-related changes in bone turnover markers and ovarian hormones in premenopausal and postmenopausal Indian women

This study characterizes age-related changes in bone turnover markers in relation to ovarian hormones. The data (N = 236) were divided into 5-year age bands and three groups: premenopausal (Group I, N = 139), perimenopausal (Group II, N = 30), and postmenopausal (Group III, N = 67). Age-related increases in mean parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin (OC), and collagen telopeptide (CTx) levels were observed. Women in Group II (N = 37) with osteopenia had lower levels of E1G (P<0.001) with normal FSH levels as compared to 50 women in the same group with normal bone mineral density (BMD). Their mean OC levels were reduced (P<0.05) and CTx levels were significantly elevated (P<0.01). The mean E1G levels were significantly lower (P<0.001) and mean CTx levels were significantly higher (P<0.001) in 30 perimenopausal women (Group II) compared to premenopausal women. In 28 postmenopausal women (group III) the mean BMD levels and E1G were significantly lower (P<0.001) with elevated FSH levels (P<0.001). Increased CTx levels (P<0.0001) reflected a higher rate of bone resorption. These observations suggest that perimenopausal women with low E1G, elevated FSH should be screened for osteoporosis, and it may be valid to combine simultaneous measurements of bone turnover markers with ovarian hormones when screening women at risk for osteoporosis.     

Sonographic spectrum of hemorrhagic ovarian cysts.

OBJECTIVE: To present the spectrum of sonographic findings associated with hemorrhagic ovarian cysts. METHODS: Experience with making specific and correct diagnosis of hemorrhagic cysts with the use of sonography was reviewed, and the spectrum of sonographic findings was identified. RESULTS: Endovaginal sonography facilitated excellent visualization of internal architectural details of an adnexal mass, which enabled specific diagnosis of hemorrhagic cysts instead of other adnexal masses. CONCLUSIONS: A hemorrhagic cyst is a common and important entity to recognize and diagnose correctly, and because it can be confused with more ominous conditions, it is important to recognize its specific diagnostic patterns.     

Evidence of decreased fibrinolytic activity in hypertensive premenopausal women.

In 29 lean, premenopausal, never-treated hypertensive women (142 +/- 2/93 +/- 1 mmHg, mean +/- SEM) plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) was elevated (11.0 +/- 1.5 U/ml vs 6.3 +/- 1.0 U/ml, p less than 0.05) compared to healthy, normotensive women (113 +/- 2/71 +/- 2 mmHg). Euglobulin clot lysis time tended to be longer in the hypertensive than in the normotensive women (p = 0.06). PAI-1 was positively correlated to triglycerides (r = 0.60, p less than 0.001), haematocrit (r = 0.45, p less than 0.05), insulin (r = 0.38, p less than 0.05) and body mass index (r = 0.38, p less than 0.05), and inversely correlated to HDL cholesterol (r = -0.43, p less than 0.05) in the hypertensive women. Fibrinogen was not significantly different in the hypertensive and normotensive women, while the hypertensive smokers had higher fibrinogen than the hypertensive non-smokers (3.01 +/- 0.17 g/l vs 2.54 +/- 0.10 g/l, p less than 0.05). All participants were investigated in the same phase of the menstrual cycle. Despite that, oestradiol was significantly lower in the hypertensive than in the normotensive women (0.57 +/- 0.06 vs 0.81 +/- 0.09 nmol l-1, p less than 0.05), while progesterone was similar in the two groups. These results suggest that premenopausal, never-treated hypertensive women are characterized by low oestradiol levels as well as decreased fibrinolytic activity. PAI-1 seems to be associated with other risk factors for cardiovascular disease in hypertensive women.     

对围绝经期妇女心理干预的研究进展

围绝经期是女性卵巢功能从成熟到逐渐衰退的一个过渡期.医学科学认为,卵巢功能的逐渐衰退,引起丘脑-垂体-卵巢内分泌轴的功能失调,从而出现阵发性潮热、出汗、易疲劳等植物神经系统功能紊乱症候群,并出现焦虑、人际关系紧张、敏感多疑、抑郁等许多心理问题.本文对固绝经期妇女的心理特点和心理干预进行综述,为提高围绝经期妇女的健康水平提供依据.     

Low bone mineral density in premenopausal women

With the proliferation of bone densitometers, an increasing number of premenopausal women are having their bone density tested. Approximately 15% of premenopausal women have bone mineral density that is more than 1 standard deviation less than the young-adult mean, and approximately 0.6% are more than 2.5 standard deviation below young-adult mean bone density. Most premenopausal women with low bone density have low peak bone mass, stable bone density, and low short-term absolute risk of fracture. The management of these patients involves nonpharmacologic lifestyle measures and reassurances that fracture risk is low. A minority of premenopausal women with low bone density have increased short-term absolute fracture risk with contributing diseases, conditions, or medications that should be identified and treated. Premenopausal women with fractures are at increased risk for fractures later in life. Methods for evaluating these patients and selecting those who require additional care are reviewed.     

Sonography of hemorrhagic ovarian cysts

The sonographic appearance of hemorrhagic ovarian cysts (HOC) has received little attention aside from a recent report in adolescent girls. We reviewed the sonographic findings in 14 adults with 15 pathologically proven HOC to see whether there were any consistent sonographic findings that, along with the clinical history, might make possible the diagnosis. The majority (93%) of patients presented with the abrupt onset of lower abdominal or pelvic pain, and each, when clinically appropriate, had a negative serum pregnancy test. Sonographically, all of the masses were cystic except one. The cyst wall was thin and well defined in six cases and thick and irregular in eight. The majority (87%) had internal echoes. These echoes were scattered and low level or diffuse and homogeneous (27%) or complex and echogenic (53%) in nature. Two cysts had numerous septations, and another had a fluid--debris interface. If the pain subsides and the hematocrit remains stable, the premenopausal patient can be managed conservatively. Sonographic follow-up is recommended so that an underlying hemorrhagic ovarian cystic neoplasm can be excluded. This was present in three of our patients, two of whom were postmenopausal.     

The likelihood ratio of sonographic findings for the diagnosis of hemorrhagic ovarian cysts.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to quantify the likelihood ratio (LR) of specific sonographic features and experienced sonologist assessment in diagnosing a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst and to better understand the diagnostic power of sonography in making this diagnosis. METHODS: Two sonologists, blinded to the patient's clinical history, independently reviewed the sonograms of 252 adnexal masses. For each mass, each sonologist recorded features using a standardized checklist, which included observations regarding the presence of fibrin strands, a retracting clot, septations, and wall irregularity. Each reviewer independently chose 1 specific conclusion from a list of possibilities that included the diagnosis of a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst. Sonographic observations and sonologist predictions were compared with pathologic findings (n = 214) or follow-up sonography (n = 38). RESULTS: Of the 252 masses, there were 30 hemorrhagic cysts. One sonologist correctly identified 25 hemorrhagic cysts, with 1 false-positive, 2 false-negative, and 3 indeterminate calls (LR 185). The other sonologist correctly identified 24 hemorrhagic cysts, with 1 false-positive, 0 false-negative, and 6 indeterminate calls (LR 178). The 2 cases incorrectly diagnosed as hemorrhagic cysts were endometriomas at pathologic diagnosis. Specific sonographic observations and combinations of observations performed as follows: retracting clot (LR >67); fibrin strands (LR 40); fibrin strands and no septations (LR 100); and fibrin strands, no septations, and smooth wall (LR 200). CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin strands and a retracting clot are paramount observations in allowing high confidence in the diagnosis of hemorrhagic ovarian cysts. Approximately 90% of hemorrhagic ovarian cysts will exhibit at least 1 of these 2 features.     

Ovarian reserve after fibroid embolization in premenopausal women

Objective: To investigate the effect of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for fibroids on ovarian pool of premenopausal women.

Study design: Prospective case control study.

Material and methods: One-hundred and twenty premenopausal women, aged between 40 and 50?years, who underwent UAE for symptomatic uterine fibroids and the same number of women, aged between 40 and 50?years, with symptomatic uterine fibroids, who were not offered treatment were recruited for this study. Hormonal status and ovarian reserve were evaluated by means of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) pre-procedural, three months, six months and 12?months after UAE.

Results: No statistically significant decrease was noted in AMH values 12?months post procedure and no statistical significant alterations in AMH values between the two groups.

Conclusions: Even though the study results may not be able to confirm the preservation of ovarian reserve and normal menstruation after UAE in premenopausal women, it should be considered as a friendly to normal menstruation treatment option of symptomatic fibroids.     

卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿的CT诊断

目的:分析卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿的CT表现特点,提高其CT诊断水平。材料和方法:回顾分析经手术病理证实的32例45个卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿的CT资料。结果:单侧发病19例,双侧13例,共45个囊肿。42个囊肿为卵圆形或圆形,3个为不规则形。囊肿最大径1.0~13.5cm,平均长径6.0cm。单房21个,多房24个,11个有卫星囊征象。大多数囊肿密度较高,大于30Hu 24个,20~30Hu 11个,小于20Hu 10个。6个囊肿内见局灶性高密度。38个囊肿囊壁有轻、中度强化。病灶与子宫、直肠/乙状结肠、膀胱有不同程度粘连,三联体征8例。结论:卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿有较特征性的CT表现,密切结合临床能提高CT诊断水平。     

The management of ovarian cysts by sono-guided transvaginal cyst aspiration

Nineteen transvaginal, sono-guided ovarian cyst punctures were performed in 18 patients. These patients, who were high surgical risks, were diagnosed to possess benign ovarian tumors as revealed with sonography. Aspiration curettage of the inner surface of the cyst present during aspiration was also performed to facilitate cytologic diagnosis. The recurrence rate was 11.1%. Sono-guided transvaginal cyst aspiration has been demonstrated here to be the treatment of choice for dealing with an ovarian cyst in patients at high surgical risk. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿的超声表现及误诊分析

目的探讨卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿二维及彩色多普勒超声特征性表现,分析超声误诊原因。方法对手术病理证实为卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿93例患者的术前超声表现进行回顾性分析并行超声分型。结果 93例107个囊肿超声分型表现:Ⅰ型囊肿(正常卵巢型)表现为稍增大卵巢内可见小无回声区,术前超声均未检出(0/3),仅提示卵巢稍增大或含液性改变;Ⅱ型囊肿(单纯囊肿型)表现为无回声区,边界清晰,伴后方回声增强;术前超声仅检出1个囊肿,误诊10个囊肿(10/11);Ⅲ型囊肿(囊内点状高回声型)表现为无回声区,内部见均匀点状高回声,似云雾状;术前超声检出26个囊肿,仅误诊2个囊肿(2/28);Ⅳ型囊肿(多囊型)表现为无回声区,内部见带状间隔或伴密集点状高回声;术前超声检出16个囊肿,误诊13个囊肿(13/29);Ⅴ型囊肿(混合型)表现为无回声区内见稍高回声或伴密集点状高回声及带状间隔,或表现分层征;术前超声检出22个囊肿,误诊11个囊肿(11/33);Ⅵ型囊肿(实质型)表现为低回声,内部可见稍高回声;术前超声均未检出囊肿(0/3)。107个囊肿术前超声以Ⅲ型囊肿检出个数居多(26/28),误诊个数少(2/28);6型中共误诊42个囊肿(39.3%),分别为Ⅰ型(3/3)、Ⅱ型(10/11)、Ⅳ型(13/39)、Ⅴ型(11/33)和Ⅵ型(3/3)。其中误诊为卵巢单纯囊肿15个、卵巢囊腺瘤7个、卵巢畸胎瘤2个、卵巢肿瘤6个、子宫浆膜下肌瘤2个、炎性包块2个、囊肿性质待定5个,卵巢稍大或含液性改变3个。结论Ⅲ型卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿声像图表现为无回声区,边界清晰,壁毛糙或稍增厚,内部可见点状高回声,结合临床表现超声易于作出正确诊断;Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ及Ⅵ型卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿均易误诊,需与卵巢单纯囊肿、畸胎瘤、囊腺瘤、子宫浆膜下肌瘤及盆腔炎性肿块声像图相鉴别。     

Androgen imbalance in premenopausal women with benign breast disease and breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The alteration of steroid hormonal status in premenopausal breast disease (benign and malignant) were investigated by comparing the urinary profile of androgens and corticoids. METHODS: The urinary concentrations of 25 androgens and corticoids were quantitatively determined by a gas chromatographymass spectrometry system in patients with benign breast disease (35 cases, 20-54 years), breast cancer (34, 27-54), and healthy controls of similar age (25, 22-51). RESULTS: In premenopausal patients with breast cancer, a significantly lower rate of excretion of 11-deoxy-17-ketosteroids and their metabolites was found in comparison with normal females. These levels were also inversely associated with benign breast disease. No significant differences were found between the three groups for the concentration of 11-oxy-17-ketosteroids, 17-hydroxy-corticoids and their metabolites. The urinary ratio of adrenal androgen metabolites to cortisol metabolites [(11-DOKS & M)/11-OKS] declined in the order of normal female control (4.04 +/- 0.72; mean +/- SD), breast benign mass (2.29 +/- 0.42) and breast cancer (0.94 +/- 0.27). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the hormonal imbalance of androgen deficiency and/or corticoid sufficiency is closely associated with the benign and malignant conditions of premenopausal breast disease and the ratio of (11-DOKS & M)/11-OKS may be an effective discriminant factor of these groups.