Polycystic Ovarian Morphology: Diagnostic Criteria and Prevalence

Abstract

The purpose of this brief review was to systematize the current information on the diagnosis, prevalence, and ethnic aspects of polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM). The information search was conducted using Internet resources (Medline, Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) and literature sources for the period from January 1999 to August 2021. The review includes only full-text articles. Based on the analysis of the literature, we demonstrated that the diagnostic value of PCOM has changed since the moment of the first description of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Currently, ovarian size, ovarian volume and antral follicle count are key criteria for most PCOS phenotypes and complications. The diagnostic value of PCOM depends on age and racial characteristics, which requires large-scale epidemiological studies to determine PCOM characteristics in different populations. Standardizing PCOM diagnostic criteria is the key to PCOS effective diagnosis and, consequently, to preventing complications and comorbidities associated with PCOS.