Diagnostic dilemma – Ovarian dermoid cysts presenting with uncommon complications and a rare association

Abstract

Mature cystic teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, are commonly encountered ovarian tumors accounting for up to 10–25% of all ovarian neoplasms. Mostly asymptomatic and incidentally detected, they may present with associated complications such as torsion, rupture, malignant transformation, and infection. Fistulization of ovarian cysts into the bowel is a rare complication and occurs in cases of infection or malignant transformation. We present a rare case of an infected dermoid cyst with co-existing endometriosis and fistulization into the rectum in a 35-year-old female. The patient presented with fever, pain, and history of infertility. This article highlights the important differential diagnosis to be considered in a multiloculated ovarian cyst containing fat and pockets of air.