Aversion of surgical exploration in patients with complex ovarian cysts secondary to overt hypothyroidism: A series of three cases

Abstract

Long-standing, overt hypothyroidism-induced bilateral multiloculated ovarian cysts represent an infrequent occurrence. Our first case, presented with bilateral complex ovarian masses, exhibited overt hypothyroidism symptoms, including lethargy, weight gain and subfertility, prompting consideration for surgical intervention. Similarly, in the second case, a girl aged 11 years with stunting, delayed bone age and academic challenges was referred for surgical exploration due to bilateral complex ovarian masses. Both cases revealed elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone levels during preoperative workup. Commencing levothyroxine replacement therapy resulted in complete regression of ovarian cysts and substantial symptom improvement within an 8-week timeframe. The third case, a previously diagnosed patient with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, benefited from the lessons gleaned in managing the initial cases, responding well to levothyroxine therapy, thereby averting the necessity for surgery in all three instances. These cases underscore the significance of considering thyroid function in the evaluation of ovarian masses and highlight the efficacy of levothyroxine replacement therapy in resolving both hypothyroidism and associated ovarian cysts, thereby obviating the need for surgical intervention.