Ovarian cyst in a 12-year-old pre-menarchal female : a case study
Abstract
Introduction: Abdominal pain as a chief concern is frequent in the pediatric emergency department. Even though ovarian cysts as the underlying cause are rarely diagnosed in premenarchal patients, they are not uncommon. Most are less than 3 cm, asymptomatic, and occur after menarche. This case report details the presentation of a 12-year-old premenarchal female who presented with intermittent and worsening abdominal pain and was found to have a mass measuring 34x18x11cm in her right adnexal area. The fluid was drained and a partial cystectomy was performed, and the patient recovered without complications. Limited literature describing masses of this size in pre-menarchal patients currently exists which may complicate the diagnosis. Methods: this case information is from a patient who presented to the University of Missouri-Columbia Emergency Department Results: Laparoscopy was performed, and six liters of serous cystic fluid was drained and a partial cystectomy was performed. Conclusion: In pre- and peri- menarchal patients with abdominal pain: if CT/MRI have ruled out the presence of acute appendicitis, clinicians should be aware of the limitations of radiologic imaging if ovarian cyst or torsion are suspected. Pelvic ultrasound may be more beneficial in distinguishing ovarian cysts from other causes of abdominal pain2. Ultrasound alone is not definitive in discerning whether or not an ovarian anomaly exists and surgical consult is recommended if the clinical findings remain highly suggestive of ovarian pathology.
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