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.