Gynecologic Ultrasound: A Problem-Based Approach

Premature Ovarian Failure

Synonyms/Description Early menopause Ovarian insufficiency Etiology Premature ovarian failure (POF) occurs in women under the age of 40 and is characterized by amenorrhea, hypoestrogenism, and elevated gonadotropins. It affects an estimated 1% of women, including 0.1% under age 30. Most…

Polyps, Endometrial

Synonyms/Description None Etiology Endometrial polyps are relatively common intrauterine lesions that are typically benign and often asymptomatic. Hyperplastic/proliferative polyp is the most common type of polyp; it represents overgrowth of endometrial glands and stroma. Clinically they can be associated with…

Polycystic Ovaries

Synonyms/Description Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) Stein-Leventhal syndrome Etiology Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, occurring in 4% to 6% of the female population. PCOS is a complex of symptoms often associated…

Pelvic Kidney

Synonyms/Description Ectopic location of kidney—normal variant Etiology The incidence of pelvic kidney is reported as being between 1 in 2200 and 1 in 3000. The normal human kidney migrates to the renal fossa from a pelvic location early in embryonic…

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Synonyms/Description Varicose veins of the pelvis Etiology Although the etiology of pelvic congestion syndrome is unclear, it appears that gross dilatation, valve incompetence, and reflux of the ovarian veins may be causal. Anatomic and/or hormonal factors may lead to insufficiency…

Paratubal or Paraovarian Cysts

Synonyms/Description Adnexal cyst, mesothelial or paramesonephric cyst Etiology Paratubal and paraovarian cysts arise from the broad ligament. They constitute 10% of adnexal masses. They are usually benign but may rarely (reportedly 2%) contain malignant or borderline elements. Etiologies for paratubal…

Ovarian Vein Thrombosis

Synonyms/Description Septic pelvic thrombophlebitis (SPT) Etiology Ovarian vein thrombosis is a rare but potentially severe postpartum complication, occurring 80% to 90% of the time on the right side, and with a reported incidence of 1:600 to 1:2000 deliveries. Ovarian vein…

Ovarian/Tubal Torsion

Synonyms/Description Adnexal torsion Etiology Torsion is defined as the twisting by at least one complete turn of the adnexa, ovary, or (rarely) the tube only around the infundibulo-pelvic and tubo-ovarian ligament, resulting in ischemia. It occurs more frequently on the…

Ovarian Cancer (Epithelial)

Synonyms/Description Ovarian carcinoma or adenocarcinoma Etiology Ovarian cancer is the second most common (endometrial is number one) genital tract malignancy (1% to 2% lifetime risk) and the most deadly (overall 5-year survival of 45%). Familial predisposition accounts for 5% to…

Ovarian Calcifications

Synonyms/Description Echogenic foci or “bright spots” of the ovary Most commonly thought to represent calcified corpora albicans Etiology In a study by Brown and colleagues, small ovarian calcifications (1 to 3 mm) were found in more than half of women…