Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a common endocrine disorder affecting 6%-15% of women of reproductive age. It is characterized by hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.
Objective: To evaluate the differences in clinical, hormonal, and biochemical characteristics between women with ultrasound features of morphological polycystic ovaries (PCO) and those diagnosed with classic polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Methods: This prospective case-control study was conducted at Basra Maternity and Child Hospital from January to June 2018. A total of 140 women attending the outpatient and infertility clinics were enrolled and divided into two groups: Group A (morphological PCO, n=60) and Group B (classic PCOS, n=80). All participants underwent transvaginal ultrasound on days 2-3 of the menstrual cycle to assess ovarian volume, antral follicle count, follicle size and distribution, and stromal area. Serum levels of FSH, LH, PRL, testosterone, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, and LDL were also measured. Clinical parameters such as menstrual irregularities, obesity, and hirsutism were evaluated. Differences between the two groups were analyzed statistically.
Results: Group B (classic PCOS) showed significantly higher BMI, parity, and infertility rates compared to Group A (p<0.05). No significant age difference was observed. Clinical symptoms including menstrual disturbances, obesity, and hirsutism were significantly more frequent in Group B (p<0.05). Ultrasound findings such as ovarian volume, stromal area, follicle size, antral follicle count, and follicular distribution also differed significantly between groups (p<0.05). Group B exhibited significantly altered levels of LH, FSH, PRL, cholesterol, and LDL (p<0.05), while triglycerides, HDL, and testosterone levels did not differ significantly.
Conclusion: Classic PCOS is associated with distinct clinical, hormonal, and metabolic abnormalities, unlike morphological PCO, which shows minimal deviation from normal. These differences may guide more accurate diagnosis and tailored management strategies.
International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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Research Journals