Normal ovaries in neonates and infants: a sonographic study of 77 patients 1 day to 24 months old.

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.