Objective: Normal values for ovarian measurements in adults have been revised over the past decade. A recent report stated that ovarian cysts were common in healthy girls 2-13 years old, refuting the findings of a 1984 study. No large sonographic study of normal ovaries in girls 1 day to 24 months old has been performed. We evaluated ovaries in girls in this age group to determine the normal volume and prevalence of ovarian cysts.
Subjects and methods: The ovaries of 77 consecutive patients 1 day to 24 months old were evaluated during routine pelvic sonography. Patients were divided into three age groups: 1 day to 3 months old (when gonadotropin levels are highest because of loss of placental hormonal influence), 4-12 months old (an intermediate group), and 13-24 months old (when gonadotropin levels are low).
Results: Ninety-eight ovaries were imaged in three dimensions. The mean volume was 1.06 cm3 (range, 0.7-3.6 cm3) among girls up to 3 months old; 1.05 cm3 (range, 0.2-2.7 cm3) among girls 4-12 months old; and 0.67 cm3 (range, 0.1-1.7 cm3) among girls 13-24 months old. We found no significant difference in mean volumes among the three groups. The prevalence of ovarian cysts was similar in all three groups; ovarian cysts were seen in 84% of all imaged ovaries. Macrocysts (cysts larger than 9 mm) were seen in 18% of all cystic ovaries.
Conclusion: Ovaries of girls 1 day to 24 months old can have volumes greater than 1 cm3. Ovarian cysts are common. Macrocysts can be seen despite claims that they are rare in girls less than 11 years old.