Cumulus Oophorus
The cumulus oophorus is the cluster of cells that surrounds the egg inside the ovarian follicle. On ultrasound it can show as a small bright area at the edge of a mature follicle.
A missing cumulus carries information. In 460 cycles followed by serial ultrasound, it was not seen in 36 of every 100 cycles.1 Cycles with a mature follicle but a missing or retained cumulus made up 23.5 percent of that series. No other abnormal pattern was as common.1
A mature follicle with no visible cumulus counts as an ovulation disorder in the sonographic classification. The finding changes the diagnosis.
Cited in this entry
- Hilgers TW. Chapter 20: Disorders of Human Ovulation: Sonographic Classification System. The Medical and Surgical Practice of NaProTECHNOLOGY. 2004. /library/chapter-20-disorders-of-human-ovulation-sonographic-classification-system-reccnmu88iz09yltn
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult an RRM clinician or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.
