Do polycystic-appearing ovaries affect the risk of cardiovascular disease among women with polycystic ovary syndrome?

Objective: To determine if polycystic-appearing ovaries (PAO) are associate d with differences in risk factors for cardiovascular disease among women w ith polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design: Case-control sub-study. Setting: Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Magee-Womens Hospital. Patient(s): Women with PCOS (n = 63) and non-PCOS controls (n = 56). Intervention: Transvaginal ultrasonography and single sample venipuncture. Main Outcome Measure(s): Ultrasound ovarian appearance, fasting insulin, li poproteins, androgens, LH/FSH ratio, anthropomorphic measurements, and bloo d pressure. Result(s): Women with PCOS had higher androgen and fasting insulin levels, a more adverse lipid profile, greater waist-hip and LH/FSH ratios, and a la rger ovarian volume than controls. Thirty-three percent of the cases with P COS, but only 5% of controls, showed PAO on ultrasound study (P < .01). PCO S cases with and without PAO had comparable levels of fasting insulin, lipi ds, and blood pressures. PCOS cases with PAO had a higher LH/FSH ratio (P = .028), increased levels of serum androstenedione (P = .029) and testostero ne (P = .055), and greater ovarian volume (P = .024) compared to non-PAO pa tients. Conclusion: Women with PCOS have greater cardiovascular risk than controls. Within PCOS cases, however, the ultrasound appearance of polycystic ovarie s does not appear to further intensify the cardiovascular disease risk prof ile of these women. (Fertil Steril(R) 2000,74:547-52. (C) 2000 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.).