Estimation of Ovarian Size With Reference to Stein-Leventhal Syndrome

Bimanual examination, without or with anesthesia, is an unreliable procedure for assessing the relatively minor enlargement of the ovaries which may be consistent with the Stein-Leven-thal syndrome. Visual appraisal of ovarian size at laparotomy is also subject to error. Direct measurement is necessary to establish the presence of enlarged ovaries. Radiologic methods for assessing ovarian size (gynecography) may have value in distinguishing very small ovaries or ovarian cysts but are unable to estimate the size of the ovary with accuracy within the limited range relevant to the syndrome. Such estimates should not, therefore, be employed as primary diagnostic criteria. Relationships between linear dimensions of the human ovary and ovarian volume are presented, together with confidence limits for estimates of ovarian volume derived in this way.