Corpus luteum

Discussion:

A corpus luteum is a normal finding in a pelvic ultrasound and should not be misinterpreted as a malignancy.

In the setting of pregnancy (positive beta hCG), the dilemma is whether this finding represents an ectopic pregnancy. In the setting of an intrauterine pregnancy (IUP), this vascular cyst is overwhelmingly likely to be a corpus luteum rather than an IUP and an ectopic pregnancy (1:30,000).

Without an IUP, one should be much more guarded in diagnosis a vascular adnexal mass as a corpus luteum. If there are concerning clinical features (pain, bleeding) or if there is hemoperitoneum, then an adnexal mass should be considered an ectopic pregnancy until proven otherwise.

Some use the term "corpus luteum" and "corpus luteal cyst" interchangeably. Some reserve the term "corpus luteal cyst" for a corpus luteum in the setting of a first trimester pregnancy.

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