Chemical Assay of Iron in Ovarian Cysts: A New Diagnostic Method to Evaluate Endometriotic Cysts

Mari Iizuka, M. Iizuka, Iizuka M, Igarashi M, M Igarashi, Masao Igarashi, Yumiko Abe, Y. Abe, Abe Y, Ibuki Y, Yoshito Ibuki, Y Ibuki, Y. Koyasu, Koyasu Y, Yasuki Koyasu, K Ikuma, Ikuma K, Kenichiro Ikuma
Gynecologic and obstetric investigation · 1998 · vol. 46(1) , pp. 58–60 · doi:10.1159/000009999 · PMID:9692345 · W2027366530
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This study assayed iron concentrations in ovarian cysts and found significantly higher levels in endometriotic cysts compared to other types, suggesting it as a potential diagnostic marker.

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Abstract

CA-125 is abundantly secreted from ovarian endometriotic cysts, but is not specific to endometriosis. In order to develop a new, more specific diagnostic marker for endometriosis, the iron concentrations in various ovarian cysts were assayed. The ovarian cysts were punctured and the contents aspirated laparoscopically, laparotomically, or transvaginally. The iron concentration in the ovarian cystic fluid was assayed using a spectrophotometer after protein precipitations and chromogen treatment. The iron concentrations in ovarian cysts were 69.5+/-10.4 micromol/l in serous cystadenomas, 73.5+/-29.3 in mucinous cystadenomas, 65.4+/-12.4 in dermoid cysts, and 92.5+/-18.2 micromol/l in adenocarcinomas. On the other hand, high iron concentrations were demonstrated in endometriotic cysts (1,749.6+/-41.5 micromol/l), a lutein cyst (1,393.8), hemorrhagic corpus luteum (1,957.5) and endometrioid adenocarcinomas (1,860.9+/-157.9 micromol/l). Cytological smear tests of the contents as well as histological examination allowed differential diagnosis between endometriosis and endometrioid adenocarcinoma. In conclusion, assay of the ovarian cystic iron concentration is a useful diagnostic tool for the evaluation of ovarian endometriotic cysts.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Iron Ovarian Cysts Ovarian Cysts Adult Aged Biomarkers Biomarkers Biomarkers, Tumor Biomarkers, Tumor Diagnosis, Differential Female Humans Iron Middle Aged Ovarian Cysts Spectrophotometry

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