Expectant management of ultrasonically diagnosed ovarian dermoid cysts: is it possible to predict outcome?

Management of an Incidentally Discovered Ovarian Teratoma in an Adolescent Patient

Mature ovarian teratomas are a benign subset of germ cell tumors (GCT) often diagnosed during reproductive years and are the most common GCT among children and adolescents. Many are found incidentally on unrelated imaging. There are no definitive guidelines on the management of these teratomas, particularly in the pediatric population. This case presents the management of an adolescent patient with an incidentally found ovarian teratoma. A discussion of contemporary literature also identifies a significant gap in the literature for definitive guidelines in pediatric patients with mature teratomas.

Ruptured ovarian dermoid causing chemical peritonitis: a case report

Spontaneous rupture of ovarian dermoid cysts is uncommon. We describe a case of a 32-year-old female who presented to the emergency room with abdominal pain and distension. The patient was discovered to have a ruptured dermoid cyst which caused chemical peritonitis and was managed surgically.

Bilateral Dermoid Ovarian Cysts in a Young Woman - A Case Report and Literature Review

Background/Aim

Ovarian tumors are a common type of neoplasm in women, with mature cystic teratomas being the most frequent variant. These tumors occur bilaterally in approximately 10% of cases. However, bilateral and multiple occurrences are rarely reported.

Case Report

A 22-year-old nulliparous woman presented with amenorrhea and sudden, generalized, dull lower abdominal pain. Diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scans, revealed large solid-cystic lesions in both ovaries, with internal hyperechoic foci consistent with fat and calcification, along with thin internal septations. A laparoscopic cystectomy was successfully performed, preserving ovarian function. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of stratified keratinized squamous epithelium, sebaceous glands, hair follicles, mature adipose tissue, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels within the resected cysts, with no evidence of malignancy.

Conclusion

This unique case provides valuable insights into the understanding and management of bilateral dermoid cysts, highlighting the importance of preserving ovarian function in young women.

Do we more often opt for conservative management of ovarian tumors after changing the Dutch national guideline on enlarged ovaries? A nationwide cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Increasing evidence shows that conservative management of ovarian tumors classified as benign, based on ultrasound assessment, is safe. Therefore, conservative management has been adopted as the preferred strategy for certain ovarian tumors assessed as benign in the Dutch national guideline on enlarged ovaries in 2013. The aim of this study was to examine whether implementation of this guideline has led to changes in the number of women/100 000 women undergoing surgery for an ovarian tumor in the Netherlands.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Histopathology reports were requested for all examinations of ovarian and fallopian tube specimens (including cyst enucleations) registered in Palga, the Dutch nationwide pathology databank, from 2011 (before guideline adaptation) and 2019 (after guideline adaptation). Reports on prophylactically removed adnexa, removal for other primary tumors (eg endometrial carcinoma), and for patients under 18 years of age, were excluded from the analysis. Interobserver agreement for the inclusion and classification of reports was assessed using Cohen's Kappa analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 34 932 reports were retrieved, 13 917 of which were included in the analysis. In 2011 and 2019, respectively, 96.3/100 000 vs 68.8/100 000 women aged ≥18 underwent surgery for benign ovarian tumors, and 19.6/100 000 vs 18.3/100 000 for borderline and malignant tumors combined. The number of women/100 000 who had surgery for a benign ovarian tumor per 100 000 women declined by 28.5% (p < 0.001) between 2011 and 2019. The largest difference between 2011 and 2019 was observed in the number of women per 100 000 women who underwent surgery for a serous cystadenoma (-40.7%; 20.8/100 000 vs. 12.3/100 000), followed by endometrioma (-33.2%; 14.7/100 000 vs. 9.8/100 000), simple epithelial cyst (-57.3%; 8.4/100 000 vs. 3.6/100 000), and corpus luteum cyst (-57.0%; 4.0/100 000 vs. 1.7/100 000). Cohen's Kappa for the interobserver agreement was 0.96.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of women/100 000 undergoing surgery for a benign ovarian tumor has substantially decreased in the Netherlands when comparing data before and after implementation of the national guideline in 2013, while the number of women/100 000 undergoing surgery for a malignant or borderline tumor remained the same. These findings suggest successful implementation of the updated guideline, and a measurable effect on increased adoption of conservative management for benign-looking ovarian tumors.

Ovarian Dermoid Cyst Trajectory in Premenarchal Girls

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Mature ovarian dermoid cysts (ODCs) are the most common benign ovarian tumors diagnosed in children. However, there is minimal data on management of ODCs in premenarchal patients. This study assesses characteristics associated with expectant (EM) vs surgical (SM) management in premenarchal patients and the growth rate of ODCs in EM patients at a single institution.

METHODS

Forty-four premenarchal patients, either post-surgical with pathologically-confirmed ODC or having radiologic findings consistent with ODCs, were included. Data collected included demographics, cyst characteristics, imaging findings, presence of symptoms, surgical procedure performed, and ovarian torsion occurrence.

RESULTS

Patient age at diagnosis was similar between groups (SM: 8.8 vs EM: 8.0, P = .55). At presentation, 36 patients (82%) underwent SM and 8 (18%) underwent EM. There was a significant difference in cyst size between groups (SM: 8.9 cm vs EM: 3.6 cm, P = .004). Of SM patients, 30% underwent oophorectomy vs cystectomy, with a significant difference in ODC size between procedures (11.8 cm vs 7.7 cm, P = .016). Of EM patients, 75% had at least one and 60% had three follow-up ultrasounds, with average follow-up timeframes of 3.7 and 27 months respectively. Average yearly ODC growth rate for the latter group was 0.8 cm.

CONCLUSION

The average yearly growth rate of ODCs in premenarchal patients within our institution was slower than in older cohorts, and both age and cyst size played significant roles in determining surgical procedure. Continued study on EM in premenarchal ODCs will help define parameters for recommending SM vs EM in this population.

Ovarian cancer risk among older patients with stable adnexal masses

BACKGROUND

Few studies have evaluated the risk of cancer among older patients with stable adnexal masses in community-based settings to determine the duration of observation time needed.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the ovarian cancer risk among older patients with stable adnexal masses on ultrasound.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients in a large community-based health system aged ≥50 years with an adnexal mass <10 cm on ultrasound between 2016 and 2020 who had at least 1 follow-up ultrasound performed ≥6 weeks after initial ultrasound. Masses were considered stable on follow-up examination if they did not exhibit an increase of >1 cm in the greatest dimension or a change in standardized reported ultrasound characteristics. Ovarian cancer risk was determined at increasing time intervals of stability after initial ultrasound.

RESULTS

Among 4061 patients with stable masses, the average age was 61 years (range, 50-99), with an initial mass size of 3.8 cm (range, 0.2-9.9). With a median follow-up of 3.7 years, 11 cancers were detected, with an absolute risk of 0.27%. Ovarian cancer risk declined with longer duration of stability, from 0.73 (95% confidence interval, 0.30-1.17) per 1000 person-years at 6 to 12 weeks, 0.63 (95% confidence interval, 0.19-1.07) at 13 to 24 weeks, 0.44 (95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.87) at 25 to 52 weeks, and 0.00 (95% confidence interval, 0.00-0.00) at >52 weeks. Expressed as number needed to reimage, ongoing ultrasound imaging would be needed for 369 patients whose masses show stability at 6 to 12 weeks, 410 patients at 13 to 24 weeks, 583 patients at 25 to 52 weeks, and >1142 patients with stable masses at 53 to 104 weeks to detect 1 case of ovarian cancer.

CONCLUSION

In a diverse community-based setting, among patients aged ≥50 years with an adnexal mass that was stable for at least 6 weeks after initial ultrasound, the risk of ovarian cancer was very low at 0.27%. Longer demonstrated duration of stability was associated with progressively lower risk, with no cancer cases observed after 52 weeks of stability. These findings suggest that the benefit of ultrasound monitoring of stable masses beyond 12 months is minimal and may be outweighed by potential risks of repeated imaging.

Dermoid cyst management and outcomes: a review of over 1000 cases at a single institution

BACKGROUND

Mature cystic teratomas represent nearly 60% of benign ovarian neoplasms across all age groups.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to update existing descriptive studies of ovarian teratomas, including the epidemiology, rate of torsion or malignancy, and treatment modalities in a large modern cohort of patients.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of all pathology-confirmed cases of ovarian teratoma that underwent surgery at 1 tertiary care institution from 2004 to 2015. Patient demographics, ovarian cyst characteristics, surgical approach and timing, rate of spillage, and surgical complications were examined.

RESULTS

A total of 1054 cases of ovarian teratoma were identified during the study period. There were 113 cases (10.7%) of bilateral teratoma. The mean age at diagnosis was 38 years. The average cyst size was 6.26 cm. The overall rate of torsion was 5.6%, with a higher rate of torsion with increasing cyst size. More than 70% of cases were treated with minimally invasive surgery, which was associated with decreased perioperative complications but an increased risk of cyst spillage. Among 394 patients with cyst spillage, only 1 patient developed chemical peritonitis. The malignant transformation rate of mature cystic teratoma in this cohort was 1.1%. This cohort included 100 pregnant women with mature teratoma. Pregnant patients were more likely to have minimally invasive surgery in the first trimester of pregnancy and more likely to undergo laparotomy in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Similar rates of bilaterality, torsion, malignant transformation, and struma ovarii in ovarian teratomas were found in this large modern cohort compared with previous literature. Most cases of ovarian teratoma can be managed laparoscopically, which is associated with a lower surgical complication rate. Despite the increased risk of cyst spillage with a minimally invasive approach, chemical peritonitis is a rare complication.

O-RADS MRI scoring system has the potential to reduce the frequency of avoidable adnexal surgery

OBJECTIVE

To assess the potential impact of the O-RADS MRI score on the decision-making process for the management of adnexal masses.

METHODS

EURAD database (prospective, European observational, multicenter study) was queried to identify asymptomatic women without history of infertility included between March 1st and March 31st 2018, with available surgical pathology or clinical findings at 2-year clinical follow-up. Blinded to final diagnosis, we stratified patients into five categories according to the O-RADS MRI score (absent i.e. non adnexal, benign, probably benign, indeterminate, probably malignant). Prospective management was compared to theoretical management according to the score established as following: those with presumed benign masses (scored O-RADS MRI 2 or 3) (follow-up recommended) and those with presumed malignant masses (scored O-RADS MRI 4 or 5) (surgery recommended).

RESULTS

The accuracy of the score for assessing the origin of the mass was of 97.2 % (564/580, CI95% 0.96-0.98) and was of 92.0 % (484/526) for categorizing lesions with a negative predictive value of 98.1 % (415/423, CI95% 0.96-0.99). Theoretical management using the score would have spared surgery in 229 patients (87.1 %, 229/263) with benign lesions and malignancy would have been missed in 6 borderline and 2 invasive cases. In patients with a presumed benign mass using O-RADS MRI score, recommending surgery for lesions >= 100 mm would miss only 4/77 (4.8 %) malignant adnexal tumors instead of 8 (50 % decrease).

CONCLUSION

The use of O-RADS MRI scoring system could drastically reduce the number of asymptomatic patients undergoing avoidable surgery.

Preservation of ovarian tissue embedded in omentum following torsion and auto-amputation of the left ovary and fallopian tube in a 14-year-old girl: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Autoamputation of the ovary and fallopian tube is a scarce phenomenon particularly in adolescents but could adversely affect fertility by causing ovarian damage and loss of tubal function.

CASE PRESENTATION

A case of autoamputation of the left adnexa as a result of chronic torsion in the setting of an ovarian dermoid cyst in an adolescent girl is presented. The patient had also a large dermoid cyst in the contralateral ovary which was in danger of another torsion and loss of ovarian reserve and tube. Her left fallopian tube was absent and left ovary was embedded in the omentum. She was successfully managed through laparoscopic surgery. Bilateral cystectomy was performed and the ectopic ovarian tissue was saved.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Chronic torsion sometimes results in ectopic displacement of the affected ovary. While some patients may be asymptomatic, many of these cases express episodes of acute or chronic abdominopelvic pain. Hence, a prolonged pain or discomfort, even of low intensity, should not be overlooked particularly in younger patients with bilateral ovarian cysts.

CONCLUSION

Ovarian dermoid cysts in adolescents could possibly undergo chronic torsion resulting in autoamputation of the adnexa and ectopic displacement of the ovary. With prompt diagnosis and intervention, ovarian tissue and fertility could be preserved.

Giant Benign Struma Ovarii with High-Grade Fever, Elevated CA 125, and Hormonal Function in an Adolescent Patient

Struma ovarii (SO) is a monodermal teratoma containing at least 50% thyroid tissue. Classically, SO is a hormonally inactive benign neoplasm that occurs in premenopausal women, and has unspecific clinical and imaging features. Its treatment is surgical and its diagnosis is established histopathologically. We report the case of a euthyroid 16-year-old girl presenting with abdominal girth increase. An abdomino-pelvic ultrasound showed a giant multicystic mass with transonic content and multiple septa, and magnetic resonance imaging suggested the diagnosis of right ovarian mucinous cystadenoma. Blood tests showed inflammatory syndrome, iron deficiency anemia, mild hepatocytolysis, and elevated serum CA 125 levels. High-grade fever occurred on the third day of hospitalization, but none of the preoperative tests could identify its origin. Cystectomy was performed, and the histopathological examination revealed benign SO with a few small cysts with purulent content. The patient developed hypothyroidism postoperatively. In conclusion, this case report reunites most of the uncommon features of SO and confirms the superiorityof histopathology in its definitive diagnosis, as well as the suitability of ovarian sparing techniques, as the best treatment option for cystic ovarian pathology in pediatric patients, even in cases of large tumoral size and elevated serum CA 125 levels.

Predictive value and prevalence of refractive edge shadow in diagnosis of ovarian dermoids

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of refractive edge shadow in evaluation of ovarian dermoids compared to other benign adnexal masses.

METHODS

Ultrasound images of 139 patients with 154 dermoids, endometriomas, and hemorrhagic cysts were retrospectively reviewed by 3 radiologists blinded to final diagnosis. Ultrasound and clinical features were compared to pathology or follow-up ultrasound results as reference standard. Inter-reader agreements with free-marginal kappa and diagnostic performance were evaluated. The former was compared using Fisher's exact test or Mann-Whitney test with p < 0.05 to determine statistical significance.

RESULTS

The study sample consisted of 154 lesions: 50 dermoids, 50 endometriomas, and 54 hemorrhagic cysts. Refractive edge shadow, homogeneous echogenic appearance, tip of the iceberg sign, mural echogenic nodule, echogenic shadowing focus, and dot-dash sign all were statistically significant across all readers for the diagnosis of dermoid. Prevalence of each feature in dermoids compared to other entities were as follows: refractive edge shadow (70% vs 8%; p < 0.001), homogeneously echogenic appearance (34% vs 2%; p < 0.001), tip of the iceberg sign (16% vs 1%; p < 0.001), mural echogenic nodule (38% vs 2%; p < 0.001), echogenic shadowing focus (13% vs 1%; p < 0.001), and dot-dash sign (44% vs 1%; p < 0.001). Refractive edge shadow had the highest sensitivity, negative predictive value, and accuracy among all ultrasound features associated with dermoids (70%, 86%, and 85%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Refractive edge shadow is a promising ultrasound feature for diagnosis of dermoids, with the highest diagnostic accuracy and prevalence compared to other previously described features associated with dermoids.

A curious case of ovarian cysts

ABSTRACT

Benign mature cystic teratomas are a form of ovarian germ cell tumor that originates from primordial germ cells in the ovaries. Of the three types of teratoma neoplasms, benign mature cystic teratomas (also called dermoid cysts) are the most common. Patients may present with intermittent abdominal or pelvic pain, abdominal enlargement, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, or may be asymptomatic. Clinicians should have a high suspicion for benign mature cystic teratomas, which account for more than 20% of all ovarian neoplasms. This article focuses on the clinical symptoms, ovarian growth characteristics, pathophysiology, potential complications, management options, and recurrence of benign mature cystic teratomas.

Imaging in gynecological disease (24): clinical and ultrasound characteristics of ovarian mature cystic teratomas

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical and ultrasound features of ovarian mature cystic teratomas (MCTs).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. From the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) database, we identified patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of MCT who had undergone transvaginal ultrasound examination between 1999 and 2016 (IOTA phases 1, 2, 3 and 5) in one of five centers. Ultrasound was performed by an experienced examiner who used the standardized IOTA examination technique and terminology. In addition to extracting data from the IOTA database, available two-dimensional grayscale and color or power Doppler images were reviewed retrospectively to identify typical ultrasound features of MCT described previously and detect possible new features using pattern recognition. All images were reviewed by two independent examiners and further discussed with two ultrasound experts to reach consensus.

RESULTS

Included in the study were 454 patients with histologically confirmed MCT. Median age was 33 (range, 8-90)  years and 66 (14.5%) patients were postmenopausal. Most MCTs were described by the original ultrasound examiner as unilocular (262/454 (57.7%)) or multilocular (70/454 (15.4%)) cysts with mixed echogenicity of cystic fluid (368/454 (81.1%)), acoustic shadowing (328/454 (72.2%)) and no or little vascularization on color Doppler (color score 1, 240/454 (52.9%); color score 2, 123/454 (27.1%)). The median largest lesion diameter was 66 (range, 15-310)  mm. A correct preoperative diagnosis of MCT was suggested by the original ultrasound examiner in 372/454 (81.9%) cases. On retrospective review of ultrasound images of 334 MCTs that had quality sufficient for assessment, 'dots and/or lines' and/or 'echogenic white ball' (typical features according to the literature) were present in 271/334 (81.1%) masses. We identified four new ultrasound features characteristic of MCT: 'cotton wool tufts', 'mushroom cap sign', 'completely hyperechogenic lesion' and 'starry sky sign'. At least one classical or novel ultrasound feature was present in 315/334 (94.3%) MCTs. Twenty-nine (8.7%) MCTs manifested vascularized solid tissue, of which seven exhibited no typical features.

CONCLUSION

We provide a comprehensive overview of conventional and newly described ultrasound features of MCTs. Only a small proportion of MCTs did not manifest any of the typical features. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Clinical and ultrasound features of dermoid-associated adnexal torsion

PURPOSE

To determine the clinical and ultrasound features of dermoid-associated adnexal torsion.

METHODS

Forty-four patients with at least one dermoid and ultrasound ≤ 30 days of surgery were retrospectively reviewed by three radiologists. Ultrasound and clinical findings were compared to intra-operative findings using Fisher's exact test or Mann-Whitney test with p < 0.05 to determine statistical significance.Please check and confirm that the authors and their respective affiliations have been correctly identified and amend if necessary.Correct. No edit RESULTS: Twenty patients had torsion, while 24 patients did not. Patients with dermoid-associated torsion were more likely to present to emergency department (ED) (100% vs 13%; p < 0.001) and have acute unilateral pelvic pain (100% vs 42%; p < 0.001). On ultrasound, patients with torsion had larger dermoids (median largest dimension 9.0 cm (IQR 7.7-11.1) vs 6.0 cm (IQR 4.4-7.5); p < 0.001), displaced dermoid anterior or superior to the uterus (59% vs 21%; p = 0.016), and ipsilateral adnexal fluid (41% vs 4%; p = 0.003). Displaced dermoid and ipsilateral adnexal fluid had substantial (kappa = 0.72) and moderate inter-rater agreement (kappa = 0.49), respectively. The combination of ED presentation and each statistically significant ultrasound feature (dermoid size ≥ 5.0 cm, displaced dermoid, and ipsilateral adnexal fluid) yielded high specificity and positive predictive value (ranging from 93-100% to 92-100%, respectively). The combination of ED presentation and dermoid size ≥ 5.0 cm yielded the highest sensitivity, negative predicative value, and accuracy (100%, 100%, and 96%, respectively).Please check and confirm whether the edit made to the article title is in order.Looks great. No edits. Thank you!

CONCLUSION

Although the diagnosis of adnexal torsion in the presence of an ovarian dermoid is traditionally challenging, the combination of ED presentation and ultrasound features increase diagnostic confidence of dermoid-associated adnexal torsion.

Multi-Institutional Review of the Preoperative Diagnostic Accuracy for Pediatric Ovarian Mature Cystic Teratomas

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess the preoperative imaging impression and surgeon diagnostic accuracy for pediatric ovarian mature cystic teratomas (MCTs) DESIGN: Retrospective review SETTING: Eleven pediatric hospitals PARTICIPANTS: Patients ages 2 to 21 who underwent surgical management of an ovarian neoplasm or adnexal torsion with an associated ovarian lesion INTERVENTION: None MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Preoperative imaging impression, surgeon diagnosis, tumor markers, and pathology RESULTS: Our cohort included 946 females. Final pathology identified 422 (45%) MCTs, 405 (43%) other benign pathologies, and 119 (12%) malignancies. Preoperative imaging impression for MCTs had a 70% sensitivity, 92% specificity, 88% positive predictive value (PPV), and 79% negative predictive value (NPV). For the preoperative surgeon diagnosis, sensitivity was 59%, specificity 96%, PPV 92%, and NPV 74%. Some measures of diagnostic accuracy were affected by the presence of torsion, size of the lesion on imaging, imaging modality, and surgeon specialty. Of the 352 masses preoperatively thought to be MCTs, 14 were malignancies (4%). Eleven patients with inaccurately diagnosed malignancies had tumor markers evaluated and 82% had at least 1 elevated tumor marker, compared with 49% of those with MCTs.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic accuracy for the preoperative imaging impression and surgeon diagnosis is lower than expected for pediatric ovarian MCTs. For all ovarian neoplasms, preoperative risk assessment including a panel of tumor markers and a multidisciplinary review is recommended. This process could minimize the risk of misdiagnosis and improve operative planning to maximize the use of ovarian-sparing surgery for benign lesions and allow for appropriate resection and staging for lesions suspected to be malignant.

Recurrence and Metachronous Disease in Children with Benign Ovarian Tumors: A Systematic Review of the Literature

AIM

 The majority of ovarian tumors in children are benign, with good prognosis following complete resection. Little is published on the incidence of tumor recurrence and metachronous disease, and follow-up management of children with benign ovarian tumors (BOTs) remains a matter of debate. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the incidence and timing of recurrence and metachronous disease in children with BOTs in pediatric literature.

METHODS

 Comprehensive literature searches of the English literature (PubMed, OVID, EMBASE databases) from inception to present according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines. Outcomes for tumor recurrence and metachronous disease were synthesized.

RESULTS

 Nineteen studies comprising 1,069 patients with BOTs were included in the analysis. All studies were retrospective cohort studies of children less than 18 years old. A total of 56 events of recurrence or metachronous disease were reported in these patients. The overall risk of recurrence/metachronous event occurrence was 5.2%/2.9%. Seventy-five percent of events occurred within the first 4 years following resection.

CONCLUSION

 Although the studies identified are few and heterogeneous, they demonstrate a significant risk of tumor recurrence and metachronous disease for children following resection of a BOT.Especially following total unilateral oophorectomy, these children are at risk of losing the contralateral ovary in case of metachronous disease.Immediate discharge from follow-up, therefore, does not appear safe. The majority of events occurred within the first 4 years following resection. Follow-up for children following resection of a BOT should, therefore, be continued for a minimum of 4 years following surgery. Larger, long-term prospective studies are required to more accurately determine the true incidence and long-term outcomes for children and adolescents with these tumors.

Conservative Management of Asymptomatic Adnexal Masses Classified as Benign by the IOTA ADNEX Model: A Prospective Multicenter Portuguese Study

This prospective multicentric study aiming to determine the incidence of complications (malignant transformation, torsion or rupture) during conservative management of adnexal masses was performed in two Portuguese tertiary referral hospitals. It included ≥18-year-old, non-pregnant patients with asymptomatic adnexal masses (associated IOTA ADNEX risk of malignancy < 10%) sonographically diagnosed between January 2016 and December 2020. Conservative patient management consisted of serial clinical and ultrasound assessment up to 60 months of follow-up, spontaneous resolution of the formation or surgical excision (median follow-up: 17.8; range 9–48 months). From the 573 masses monitored (328 premenopausal and 245 postmenopausal adnexal masses), no complications were observed in 99.5%. The annual lesion growth rates and increases in morphological complexity were similar in the premenopausal and postmenopausal patients. Spontaneous resolution, evidenced in 16.4% of the patients, was more common in the premenopausal group (p < 0.05). Surgical intervention was performed in 18.4% of the cases; one borderline and one invasive FIGO IA stage cancer were diagnosed. There was an isolated case of ovary torsion (0.17%). These data support conservative management as a safe option for sonographically benign, stable and asymptomatic adnexal masses before and after menopause and highlight the need for expedite treatment of symptomatic or increased-morphological-complexity lesions.

Spontaneously Ruptured Dermoid Cysts and Their Potential Complications: A Review of the Literature with a Case Report

Spontaneous ruptures of dermoid cysts are a rare occurrence due to their thick capsules. This is the first systematic review on spontaneously ruptured dermoid cysts. A comprehensive literature search was performed from PubMed, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE. The cases were analysed for patient demographics, presenting signs and symptoms, imaging modalities used, management methods, and outcomes. The majority of cases report an idiopathic cause with symptoms of abdominal pain, distension, and fever. Computed tomography is the most accurate in detecting ruptured dermoid cysts. We also report a case of a 66-year-old who presented with sudden abdominal pain and a low-grade temperature. Imaging showed a 10 cm well-circumscribed hyperechoic mass consistent with a dermoid cyst with no suggestive signs of rupture. She was planned for a laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. However, intraoperatively, a ruptured dermoid cyst was found with bowel adhesions and chemical peritonitis as cyst contents covered the entirety of the intra-abdominal cavity. Her operative course was complicated by inadvertent iatrogenic small bowel injury, unsuccessful laparoscopy, needing conversion to laparotomy. Despite their benign nature, complications from ruptured dermoid cysts include peritonitis, bowel obstruction, and abscesses. Surgical management by both laparoscopy and laparotomy is successful, with laparotomies more likely to be performed. Complications have mostly no long-term sequelae.

Preservation of fertility in surgery of benign and borderline malignant ovarian tumors

Benign ovarian tumors occur in 7% of women during their procreative years and involve both organic and functional tumors. The average age of onset for borderline ovarian tumors is ten years younger than that for ovarian cancers. Women with benign and borderline malignant ovarian tumors are therefore more likely to be affected by fertility issues. The causal link between infertility and benign ovarian tumor stems more from the therapeutic strategies adopted than from the histological nature of the benign ovarian tumor. The question of fertility preservation must therefore be addressed in the management of these patients through respect for "correct" surgical indications, through gestures centered around ovarian preservation, and finally, if necessary, by recourse to fertility preservation techniques.

Vedolizumab as a Potential Culprit in the Development of Ovarian Teratoma?

Vedolizumab is a new humanized monoclonal antibody that has been reserved for those with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis who have failed immunomodulator and TNF-α antagonist therapy, and for those who have an increased risk for developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Because it targets gastrointestinal tract-specific lymphocytes, meta-analyses and integrated studies have shown that vedolizumab causes fewer extraintestinal adverse effects, such as opportunistic infections and malignancies, compared with anti-TNF therapies. We present the case of a patient who developed an ovarian teratoma after initiation of vedolizumab therapy.

Mature cystic teratoma with high proportion of solid thyroid tissue: a controversial case with unusual imaging findings

We describe a case of a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary with high proportion of solid thyroid tissue (< 50% of the entire tumor) in a childbearing woman. The patient presented with non-specific abdominal bloating. Pelvic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a complex cystic-solid tumor confined to the left ovary with an anterior fat-containing locus compatible with mature cystic teratoma and a posterior predominantly solid component with low signal intensity on T2-weighted images that was histopatologically diagnosed as benign thyroid tissue. Thyroglobulin levels were in normal range. Although thyroid tissue is present in up to 20% of mature cystic teratomas, with exception of struma ovarii, it is not usually macroscopically nor radiologically identified. The differential diagnosis should include T2-hypointense adnexal lesions associated with mature cystic teratoma, malignant transformation of mature teratoma, and immature teratoma.

Practice Bulletin No. 174: Evaluation and Management of Adnexal Masses

Adnexal masses (ie, masses of the ovary, fallopian tube, or surrounding tissues) commonly are encountered by obstetrician-gynecologists and often present diagnostic and management dilemmas. Most adnexal masses are detected incidentally on physical examination or at the time of pelvic imaging. Less commonly, a mass may present with symptoms of acute or intermittent pain. Management decisions often are influenced by the age and family history of the patient. Although most adnexal masses are benign, the main goal of the diagnostic evaluation is to exclude malignancy. The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines for the evaluation and management of adnexal masses in adolescents, pregnant women, and nonpregnant women and to outline criteria for the identification of adnexal masses that are likely to be malignant and may warrant referral to or consultation with a gynecologic oncologist.

Factors affecting recurrence after surgery for ovarian mature cystic teratoma

We aimed to evaluate the risk factors for recurrence of surgically managed ovarian mature cystic teratoma (MCT). A total of 178 women with MCT managed surgically at our clinic were included in this retrospective study. The cases were followed for a minimum of 34 months. Risk factors recorded were age, gravidity, diameter of MCT, tumour markers, bilaterality, operation time and recurrence time. One hundred forty-one women (79.2%) underwent laparoscopy and the other thirty-seven patients (20.8%) underwent laparotomy. The mean age of patients with cyst recurrence was significantly lower than that of patients without recurrence (p = 0.02). There was a significantly lower median gravidity and parity in this group. The capacity of younger age, lower gravidity and parity in predicting the recurrence of ovarian MCT was analysed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The cut-off value of age, number of gravidity and parity was 26, 1 and 0, respectively. In conclusion, younger age and lower gravidity and parity were predictive of recurrence due to a more conservative approach in young and nulliparous patients. Therefore, we suggest regular follow-up visits during the postoperative period, especially for younger patients and those with lower numbers of gravidity and parity.

The recurrence rate of ovarian dermoid cysts in pediatric and adolescent girls

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess the rate of recurrence of ovarian dermoid cysts in pediatric and adolescent girls at the Hospital for Sick Children.

DESIGN

A retrospective chart review of all dermoid cysts surgically managed at the hospital for Sick Children from January 2003 to June 2012.

SETTING

The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

66 adolescent and pediatric patients <18 years old treated with ovarian cystectomy of their dermoid cysts by either laparoscopy (n = 40) or laparotomy (n = 26).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Total dermoid cyst recurrence, recurrence after laparoscopy versus laparotomy, follow-up imaging completed and ultrasonographic identification of other ovarian cysts in follow-up. Data was assessed with Fisher exact test where appropriate (P < .05).

RESULTS

The mean age of patients at time of surgery was 12.9 years (range 2.5-18.1). 25/66 (38%) of patients received no follow-up, 6/66 (9%) were followed by a single ultrasonography and 35/66 (53%) were followed with annual ultrasonography for up to 5 years. 35 patients completed their initial ultrasonography where 19/35 (54%) patients had new ovarian cysts diagnosed including: 6 functional/hemorrhagic, 3 dermoid, and 10 unspecified cysts. All new dermoids were suspected at first follow-up ultrasonography (6/35), but 3 required a second follow-up ultrasonography for confirmation. Overall, 7/66 (11%) patients had recurrent or persistent dermoid cysts of which 2 (3%) required repeat surgery. There was no significant impact on the type of surgery and dermoid recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of recurrent dermoid cysts in a pediatric and adolescent population following ovarian cystectomy is 10.6% where only 3% will recur and require further surgical management.

Prevalence of extrauterine pelvic lesions on transvaginal ultrasound in asymptomatic 20-39-year-old women

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the prevalence of extrauterine pelvic lesions on transvaginal ultrasound examination of gynecologically asymptomatic women of fertile age, and to compare this prevalence between women with spontaneous menstrual cycles, those using the combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill and those using a gestagen intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD).

METHODS

Six hundred and forty-four gynecologically asymptomatic 20-39-year-old Caucasian women with no current or previous gynecological problems, who were recruited from a Swedish population registry, were examined with transvaginal ultrasound on cycle day 4-8. Our definition of ovarian cyst was a unilocular cyst with anechoic cyst contents ≥ 35 mm in mean diameter, or any other type of intraovarian lesion. The prevalence of extrauterine pelvic lesions was compared between women not using hormonal contraception and those using COC or a gestagen IUD.

RESULTS

Ovarian lesions were found in 24 (3.7%) women. One woman had bilateral ovarian lesions. An ultrasound diagnosis of paraovarian cyst was made in 41 (6.4%) women, of peritoneal cyst in four (0.6%) women and of hydrosalpinx in one (0.2%) woman. All incidentally detected lesions had a mean diameter of ≤ 5 cm. One 17-mm intraovarian lesion was suspicious for malignancy, and histology confirmed a Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor. The ultrasound diagnoses in the remaining 23 women were endometrioma (n = 10 (1.6%)), dermoid cyst (n = 5 (0.8%)), cystadenofibroma (n = 1 (0.2%)), mature teratoma (n = 1 (0.2%)) and functional cyst, i.e. a cyst that resolved within 3-5 months (n = 6 (0.9%)). Four women with an ultrasound diagnosis of a benign lesion were operated on, and the ultrasound diagnoses of endometrioma (n = 2), dermoid cyst (n = 1) and mature teratoma (n = 1) were confirmed histologically. The prevalence of persisting ovarian lesions was highest in women with spontaneous menstrual cycles (4.4% vs 0.9% and 0% in women using COC and gestagen IUD, respectively; P = 0.025), but age was the only factor independently associated with persisting ovarian masses, the prevalence increasing with age.

CONCLUSIONS

Benign ovarian lesions are found in about 1 in 25 gynecologically asymptomatic women aged 20-39 years with no history of gynecological disease. To be able to offer optimal management of such masses, their natural history needs to be elucidated in a large prospective observational study.

[Complications of presumed benign ovarian tumors]

The main risk factor of adnexal torsion is a previous adnexal torsion (LE3). There is no clinical, biological or radiological sign that may exclude the diagnosis of adnexal torsion (LE3). The presence of flow at color Doppler imaging does not allow exclusion of the diagnosis (LE2). An emergent laparoscopy is recommended for adnexal untwisting (Grade B), except in postmenopausal women where oophorectomy is recommended (grade C). A persistent black color of the adnexa after untwisting is not an indication for systematic oophorectomy (grade C), since a functional recovery is possible (LE3). Ovariopexy is not routinely recommended following adnexal untwisting (grade C). The clinical signs of intra-cystic hemorrhage and those of rupture of the corpus luteum are not specific (LE4). MRI is not recommended to confirm the diagnosis of intra-cystic hemorrhage (grade C). Malignant transformation of an ovarian cyst is very rare. The presence of a benign ovarian cyst is not associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer at long-term follow-up (LE2). For these women, an ultrasound follow-up is not recommended (grade C). Dermoid ovarian cyst containing nerve tissue can trigger the production of pathogenic auto-antibody-anti-NMDA, leading to encephalitis. A high proportion of thyroid tissue in a mature teratoma (struma ovarii) may cause hyperthyroidism.

Expectant management of adnexal masses in selected premenopausal women: a prospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of expectant management of ovarian cysts with benign ultrasound morphology in selected asymptomatic premenopausal women.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of premenopausal women diagnosed with a persistent adnexal cyst. Patients were selected according to symptoms (asymptomatic), the cyst's appearance on ultrasound (benign) and size (< 8 cm). Patients underwent a follow-up protocol with transvaginal ultrasound examination at 6-monthly intervals for 2 years and then annually for at least 3 years.

RESULTS

The study comprised 166 women (mean age, 40 years) with 192 masses present at inclusion. Twenty-two women (with 29 masses) were lost to follow-up. Seventy-four masses (38.5%) resolved spontaneously (median time from diagnosis to resolution, 40 months). Forty-nine masses (25.5%) persisted without change (median follow-up time, 88 (range, 36-192) months). Forty masses (20.8%) were surgically removed; 12 because of increase in size, four because a second lesion appeared during follow-up, three because of change in appearance and increase in size, five because of surgery for uterine benign or malignant disease, two because of change in appearance without increase in size, one because of clinical suspicion of ovarian torsion and 13 because of the patient's decision in spite of there being no change in the mass. Histology was benign in all but two cases (Stage Ia mucinous ovarian carcinoma and Stage Ia mucinous borderline tumor). During follow-up 40 new masses in 31 women were diagnosed, of which 21 resolved spontaneously, five (all with benign histology) were surgically removed and 14 were still present at the time of writing.

CONCLUSIONS

Expectant management of cysts with benign ultrasound morphology is a management option in selected asymptomatic premenopausal women.

Intraoperative ultrasound for benign cystic teratoma. Report of two cases

PURPOSE

Teratoma is one of the most common ovarian neoplasms and frequently leads to laparoscopic surgical procedure. When this tumor is small and the ovarian surface seems regular during the surgery, it is difficult to localize the tumor.

METHODS

We used a standard transvaginal ultrasound probe during the procedure and filled the pelvic cavity with saline solution of 0.9% in order to create an interface between the saline solution and the surgical instruments.

RESULTS

We could localize the teratoma with confidence and precision, allowing to perform a sparing surgery.

CONCLUSION

This is a simple, secure and efficient technique that can be performed in most of the institutions.

The approach to ovarian dermoids in adolescents and young women

BACKGROUND

Mature cystic teratomas (MCTs) are the most common ovarian neoplastic lesions found in adolescents. MCTs are usually asymptomatic and are often discovered incidentally on exam or imaging. The recurrence rate of MCTs following cystectomy is 3-4% and incidence of malignant transformation is estimated to be 0.17-2%. Given the accuracy with which MCTs can be diagnosed preoperatively studies suggest that these lesions can be treated surgically using laparoscopic techniques. The management of MCTs in the adolescent population poses unique challenges given the potential impact on sexual development and fertility.

CASE

A 17-year-old female was found to have bilateral adnexal masses consistent in appearance with MCTs on computed tomography after a motor vehicle accident. She underwent exploratory laparotomy with pathology confirming the presence of bilateral ovarian MCTs. Three years later she returned to the office with occasional abdominopelvic pain. Ultrasound revealed bilateral complex cysts suggestive of recurrent MCTs. She was expectantly managed with serial ultrasounds and after 24 months, slow but visible growth of the MCTs was confirmed. The patient is now 22 years old and asymptomatic. What is the most appropriate management?

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The risks of expectant management in women like the one presented are small. This suggests that although the traditional treatment for MCTs is laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, in children and adolescents with MCTs we should consider close follow-up without intervention to preserve ovarian function and future fertility.