Abstract

Background: Ultrasonography is the first complementary examination and it is an efficient method to identify different types of cystic lesions of the ovary as well as their complications.

Objective: This work aims to study ultrasound characteristics of complicated ovarian cysts and their contribution to emergency department management.

Methods: It is a retrospective study of 61 patients who have consulted the emergency department, during 6 months, from November 2016 to April 2017. We included all patients consulting the emergency department for symptoms related to an ovarian cyst.

Results: The average size of the cysts was 5.38± 2.27 cm long axis, ranging from 3 to 12 cm. Their wall was thin in 59 cases and thick in 4 cases. They were unilocular in 82% and multilocular in 17.5% of cases. The echogenicity of the cysts varied. The contour of the cysts was regular in 54 cases, while irregularity was shown in 9 cases. Intracystic vegetations were illustrated in 4 cases. The solid component was demonstrated in only 1 cyst. The Douglas effusion was shown in 12.7% of cases.

The comparison of ultrasound findings between outpatient and hospitalized ones shows that there is no significant relationship between the following ultrasound features of ovarian cysts and hospitalization‘ s indication (p>5%).

Conclusion: Pelvic ultrasound is of great benefit in the diagnosis of ovarian cysts, however, there is no significant relationship between the features of ovarian cysts and indication of hospitalization (p>5%).

Keywords: Ovary, cysts, complications, emergency, ultrasonography, hospitalization.

Graphical Abstract