A successful pregnancy complicated with ovarian cyst torsion in the first trimester

Abstract

Introduction: Ovarian cyst torsion is a rare gynecological emergency characterized by acute abdominal pain due to torsion of the ovarian vascular pedicle. Most cases are associated with several risk factors including pregnancy, ovarian cyst size, and pelvic organ anatomy. Despite the incidence of detected ovarian cysts during pregnancy increasing along with better antenatal care, the clinician needs to consider appropriate management for the safety of the mother and fetus. Case description: A 25-years old woman who was pregnant with a gestational age of 10 weeks was referred to the Emergency Department of Zainoel Abidin General Hospital. The patient complained of sudden abdominal pain at the lower right abdominal quadrant within the last 5 hours before hospital admission. The patient stated the history of the ovarian cyst based on previous ultrasonography assessment on previous antenatal care. Abdominal tenderness on the relevant quadrant was positive during the physical examination. A vaginal examination revealed a regular non-tender cystic mass with a diameter of 5 cm on the right adnexa. The ultrasonographic finding showed the presence of a cystic mass on the right ovary with a size of 6.52 cm x 5.6 cm x 4.06 cm and a positive whirlpool sign. The patient was diagnosed with ovarian cyst torsion in the first trimester of pregnancy. Due to the patient refractoriness to conservative management, the patient was treated surgically by cystectomy laparotomy in an emergency setting. Histopathology examination of the intraoperative specimen revealed a luteoma. The pregnancy was successfully maintained until full-term pregnancy and the baby was delivered by caesarian section due to malposition. Conclusion: Appropriate supportive management was required to maintain pregnancy and prevent fetal loss.