Fulghesu et al evaluated the ratio of ovarian stromal area to total cross sectional area. They found that this ratio could be used in the evaluation of women for the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. The authors are from the Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome.
Parameters:
(1) total ovarian area: based on external limits of the ovary in the maximum plane section
(2) stromal area: based on the external limits of the central hyperechoic area
ratio =
= (stromal area in square cm) / (total ovarian area)
Interpretation:
• Normal controls and women with multifollicular ovaries had a ratio < 0.34.
• Women with polycystic ovary syndrome had a ratio > 0.34. The authors found no overlap with the other patients studied.
Performance:
• The authors found the ratio 100% sensitive and 100% specific for identifying women with polycystic ovary disease.
Limitations:
• The operator's experience in marking the zones will affect the performance.
• Failure to take the measurements in the maximum plane section can skew the results.
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