Ovarian development of the female child and adolescent: I. Morphology

摘要: Abstract Ovarian morphology of 180 randomly selected females, aged 8–21, was investigated, utilizing standard sector scanning ultrasound techniques, at −1 year (1 before menarche), 0 (menarche) and years +1 to +8 (1–8 postmenarche). According strict morphologic criteria, seven ovarian patterns were recognized which varied in dominance with age reference menarche. Prior menarche a multifollicular pattern (Type 1) dominates after is substituted by predominantly active 5). Approximately 20% postmenarcheal females do not develop this pattern. In relatively persistent percentage microcystic 2) throughout all years, suggestive normal transitional from Type 1 5 ovaries. contrast, multicystic 3), hyperthecosis 4), polycystic (“Mickey Mouse”) 6) silent 7) ovaries appear represent abnormal developments. Based on distributions, it tempting speculate that 3) and/or 4) precursor 6 (polycystic) Confirmation hypothesis would have major clinical importance for the early diagnosis syndrome.