Torsion of ovarian endometrioma in pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Adnexal torsion induced by an endometrioma has seldom been reported. Because of its rarity and its complexity in respect of fetal health during pregnancy, the diagnosis and treatment is challenging. We report a 25-year-old primigravida in the eighth week of gestation presenting with acute onset lower abdominal pain. A pelvic ultrasonography showed an intrauterine single viable embryo with a right ovarian cyst measuring 6 × 6 cm in diameter. Exploratory laparotomy revealed torsion of the right adnexa by 360°. After a right adnexectomy was performed, the patient proceeded to full-term pregnancy. Adnexal torsion is defined as rotation of > 45° in the long axis of the adnexae. Its occurrence during gestation is reported as 2%, accounting for 2.7% of surgical emergencies in pregnant women. Most cases are caused by dermoid and functional ovarian cysts. Because of the rarity of torsion induced by an endometrioma, the diagnosis and treatment are challenging. In poor-resource conditions, a diagnostic laparoscopy (or laparotomy) remains a logical method of diagnosis, offering simultaneous therapeutic options.