How polycystic ovarian diseases (PCOD) are diagnosed in ultrasonography?

In PCOD the ovaries are increased in size. The mean volume of the ovary is 12.5 cubic cm with a range from 6 to 30 cubic cm.

The classical anatomic criteria may not be present in all patients with clinical or endocrine findings suggestive of PCOD. Therefore, an ultrasound showing ovarian enlargement can help in making the diagnosis. But It does not mean that a normal ultrasound study with normal size ovaries rule out PCOD if the clinical or biochemical abnormalities characteristic of the syndrome are present.

Ultrasound may also suggest the diagnosis of PCOD in a patient with normal sized ovaries and the clinical and or endocrine criteria of PCOD by confirming anovulation.

These are the typical findings of sonography in a case of PCOD.

• Enlarged ovary (more than 8 cubic cm)
• Multiple small cysts (0.2-0.6 cm)
• Anovulation (lack of follicular development)
• Resting or follicular endometrium