Blood Flow To The Ovaries In Ultrasound

Blood flow to the ovaries is a term used in ultrasound tests.  Many ultrasounds of the pelvis and ovaries evaluate blood flow.  This is done with a special kind of ultrasound called Doppler.  Blood flow to the ovaries is a normal expected finding.   Abnormalities of the ovaries like cysts or masses can show blood flow.  Lack of blood flow to the ovaries can be seen with torsion, or when the ovary twists on its self.

Normal Ovarian Blood Flow Ultrasound

One of the characteristic features of a normal ultrasound of the ovaries is normal blood flow.  We see both arterial and venous blood flow to the ovaries.

Abnormal Ovarian Blood Flow Ultrasound

This may mean that the blood flow to the ovary is not normal.  There may be reversal of flow, decreased flow or absent flow to the ovary.

No Blood Flow To Ovary On Ultrasound

No blood flow to the ovary can mean ovarian torsion or twisting of the ovary.  This is an emergency since the ovary lacks blood flow.  Lack of flow to the ovary can also be seen because of technical limitations of an exam or unusual position of the ovary in the pelvis.    The findings on an ultrasound exam should always be correlated with the patient presentation.

Should you have blood flow to ovaries?

Yes.  Normal ovaries should have blood flow.

What does low blood flow to the ovaries mean?

Low blood flow to the ovary can mean it’s twisted or as a result of torsion.  This can also be because of technical factors and not necessarily an ovarian abnormality.

What does blood flow to the ovary look like on imaging?

We use a special kind of ultrasound called Doppler.  This will measure the blood flow to the ovaries.  This can look like patchy areas of flow to the ovary indicating the speed and direction of blood flow.  A special kind of spectral Doppler allows us to see the speed of flow over time to the ovary.

Should ovarian cysts have blood flow?

No.  Simple ovarian cysts usually do not have internal flow.  The fluid inside a cyst has no blood flow.

Do benign tumors have blood flow ovary?

Yes. Some benign tumors can have blood flow.

What is the treatment for no blood flow to the ovaries?

No blood flow to the ovary can mean torsion or twisting of the ovary.  This is treated with urgent surgery.

Do tumors show blood flow on ultrasound?

Yes.  Many tumors will show blood flow on ultrasound.  The solid parts of the tumor will show blood flow on ultrasound.

Why is blood flow important in ultrasound?

Blood flow give us important information about the ovaries and any cysts or masses.   Blood flow in solid areas of tumors makes them more concerning for cancer.

What are the results of a blood flow ultrasound?

Blood flow ultrasound often documents the flow to the ovaries with pictures that are saved as part of the exam.  The radiologist who interprets the exam will also comment on blood flow to the ovaries or flow to any lesions of the ovaries.

Do cancerous ovarian cysts have blood flow?

Yes.  Cancerous cysts will often have components which have blood flow on Doppler ultrasound.  The appearance can also be seen with non cancerous complex cysts as well.

Blood flow to ovaries in ultrasound: summary

Ultrasound is used to evaluate blood flow to the ovaries.  Ovaries normally have blood flow on ultrasound.  Lack of blood flow to the ovaries in a women with pelvic pain is concerning for torsion or twisting of the ovary.  Ultrasound is also used to evaluate blood flow to cysts or masses of the ovaries. Cysts which have greater blood flow to solid components become more concerning for cancer.