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  • Title: Sonographic spectrum of the corpus luteum in early pregnancy: gray-scale, color, and pulsed Doppler appearance.
    Author: Durfee SM, Frates MC.
    Journal: J Clin Ultrasound; 1999 Feb; 27(2):55-9. PubMed ID: 9932248.
    Abstract:
    PURPOSE: We describe the gray-scale and Doppler sonographic features of the corpus luteum during the first trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: Using transvaginal sonography, we prospectively evaluated the ovaries of 160 patients with spontaneous singleton intrauterine gestations between 5 and 8 weeks' menstrual age. Size, sonographic appearance, resistance index, and peak systolic velocity were recorded. RESULTS: The corpus luteum was identified in 157 (98%) of 160 patients. The mean diameter was 1.9 +/- 0.6 cm. The most common appearance was a round hypoechoic structure, found in 54 patients (34%). Other appearances included a cyst with a thick wall and anechoic center (43 patients, 27%), a cyst containing internal debris (36 patients, 23%), and a thin-walled simple cyst (24 patients, 15%). Corpus luteal blood flow was visualized with color Doppler imaging in 92% (145/157) of patients in whom the corpus luteum was found. Color Doppler imaging typically revealed a circumferential rim surrounding part or all of the corpus luteum. Low-resistance blood flow was seen with pulsed Doppler interrogation, with a mean resistance index of 0.49 +/- 0.08 and mean peak systolic velocity of 17 +/- 10 cm/second. CONCLUSIONS: The corpus luteum in early pregnancy is routinely identified with transvaginal sonography and has a wide range of sonographic appearances. Recognizing the various appearances of the corpus luteum is important to avoid confusing them with true ovarian abnormalities.
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