Publication:

Correlation of ovarian and stromal volume to fasting and postprandial insulin levels in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder with incidence of 5-10% in the reproductive-aged female population. With 3D ultrasound, we can precisely evaluate the ovarian anatomy. Hyperinsulinemia produces hyperandrogenism which in turn causes increased stromal production, increasing stromal volume and ovarian volume.  This study aimed to find out if this ovarian and stromal volume increase, has any correlation with insulin levels.

Methods The study was an observational study conducted in Sri Ramachandra College and Hospital, Chennai. This study comprised 100 patients in their reproductive age group with PCOS. After informed consent patients diagnosed with PCOS were asked to come on day 3 of cycle. On day 3 of cycle, fasting and 2 hours (75 gm glucose) postprandial insulin levels were measured. Ovarian and stromal volume using 3D ultrasound was measured on the same day. Results were then analysed for correlation.

Results A total of 100 patients were involved in the study. Mean age group was 25 years. The mean fasting and postprandial insulins of the women in the study were 20.19 mIU/l and 48.73 m IU/l respectively. The mean ovarian and stromal volume was 12.48 cm3 and 7.34 cm3 respectively. 2 tailed Pearson correlation was obtained and was found that stromal volume had a positive correlation with fasting and postprandial insulin levels but not ovarian volume.

Conclusions Stromal volume alone rather than total ovarian volume had a strong correlation with fasting and postprandial insulin levels in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients.