Which ovarian morphology is commonly associated with PCOS on ultrasound?

Which ovarian morphology is commonly associated with PCOS on ultrasound?

• A. Ovarian cancer
• B. String-of-pearls appearance
• C. Ovarian torsion
• D. Normal ovaries

Answer: (B)

The main idea is recognizing the ultrasound pattern typical of polycystic ovary morphology. In PCOS, many tiny immature follicles accumulate around the outer edge of the ovary, creating a necklace-like, string-of-pearls appearance. This peripheral arrangement of multiple small cysts, often with an enlarged ovary, is a classic ultrasound sign of PCOS and reflects arrested follicular maturation. It helps distinguish PCOS from other conditions: a normal ovary wouldn’t show so many small peripheral cysts, ovarian torsion and ovarian cancer have different mass and flow characteristics rather than this peripheral pearl pattern.

The main idea is recognizing the ultrasound pattern typical of polycystic ovary morphology. In PCOS, many tiny immature follicles accumulate around the outer edge of the ovary, creating a necklace-like, string-of-pearls appearance. This peripheral arrangement of multiple small cysts, often with an enlarged ovary, is a classic ultrasound sign of PCOS and reflects arrested follicular maturation. It helps distinguish PCOS from other conditions: a normal ovary wouldn’t show so many small peripheral cysts, ovarian torsion and ovarian cancer have different mass and flow characteristics rather than this peripheral pearl pattern.