Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Pelvis in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Introduction: MRI evaluation of parameters of the ovaries for the diagnosis of polycystic ovaries in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials and Methods: An MRI of the pelvis was performed in 51 patients with PCOS and 50 healthy volunteers. The volume and maximum diameter of the bigger ovary, the number of follicles, and the maximum diameter and volume of the biggest follicle of the bigger ovary were determined in relation to patient age and were statistically compared. ROC analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic quality of the parameters of the ovaries regarding the diagnosis of PCOS. Results: In a cohort aged 21 - 30 a significant difference between patients with PCOS and healthy volunteers was able to be determined for all 5 parameters (p < 0.001). In the cohort aged 31- 40 neither one of the parameters showed a significant difference. In the group of 21 - 30 year-olds the AUC was significantly different from 0.5 in all parameters. The maximum diameter, the volume and the number of follicles of the bigger ovary presented the highest AUC. The parameters needed to diagnose PCOS in MRI in a group of women aged 21 - 30 are a maximum diameter of an ovary of 30 mm, an ovarian volume of 5.6 cm(3) and at least 12 follicles. In regard to these parameters a diagnostic sensitivity of 90.32%, 90.32% und 80.65% and a specificity of 68.42%. 63.16% und 86.42% can be reached. Conclusion: In the cohort aged 21-30 PCOS can be diagnosed in MRI with high diagnostic sensitivity.