Prevalence and ultrasound features of polycystic ovaries in young females examined by pelvic ultrasound in primary health care in Qatar. Electronic Medical record-based study

Abstract

Background and study aim: PCOS is a common recognized, heterogeneous disorder affecting women throughout their lifetime and it shows an excess production of androgens hor¬mone, ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic changes of the ovaries which can be seen by ultrasonography. Ultrasound is the first imaging modality widely used in pelvic imaging. It is a non-invasive, rapid, painless, and safe imaging technique with no radiation. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence and ultrasound features of PCOS among young females. Patients and Methods: A Multi-center retrospective descriptive electronic record-based study for all subjects with a valid ultrasound of the ovaries done in PHCC health centers from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021. The available pelvic ultrasound images were assessed for presence of PCOS sonographic criteria. Prevalence of PCO was calculated. The sonographic features of PCO were described. Results: The current study showed prevalence of PCO among young female with age ranging from 15 to 35 years, to be 6.85% with the majority of cases being bilateral. While unilateral cases were more in the right ovary. Cases with PCO peripheral follicular arrangement were found to be the highest described sonographic finding in PCO cases. Conclusion: Ultrasound plays a major role in PCO diagnosis. The assessment of the ovaries has been greatly improved by sonographic diagnostic criteria of PCO. In addition to demonstration of ovarian size, ultrasonography can evaluate the characteristic patterns of follicles distribution and ovarian stromal changes. Key Words: Prevalence, PCO, US, Pelvis, Qatar.