Obstetrics & Gynaecology – MCQ 40 – PCOS

The cysts in Polycystic Ovarian syndrome are formed by:
a) Failure of atretic follicles to undergo apoptosis
b) Oocyte proliferation
c) Multiple corpus lutea
d) Cystic degeneration of ovarian cortex

Correct answer : a) Failure of atretic follicles to undergo apoptosis

In PCOS, the androgen levels are very high. This prevents atresia of developing follicles. These form cysts of size 2-9mm size in the periphery of the ovary in a necklace pattern.

Question contributed by Arjun Lakshman, Calicut Medical College