Ovarian Crohn's disease

Ovarian Crohn's Disease: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

We present to you a rare case of Crohn's disease involving the ovary in a 28-year-old nulligravida Eritrean patient. This is considered a rare manifestation of Crohn's disease that is believed to be due to fistulization between the ovary and intestines.

Laparoscopic Intervention in Acute Crohn's Disease Involving an Ovary

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that may involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Acute manifestations in female internal reproductive organs are rare and have been described in only a few cases. A 27-year-old nulligravida woman diagnosed with CD presented with pelvic pain, fever, and a palpable mass (confirmed by ultrasound) in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. She underwent diagnostic laparoscopy because of worsening symptoms suggestive of a tubo-ovarian abscess. The right adnexa were excised after adhesiolysis. Pathologic examination revealed an ovarian granuloma consistent with CD. This case shows that a laparoscopic approach is possible for active CD, with all the benefits of a minimally invasive approach. Although the involved ovary was removed, similar to previous reports using laparotomy, conservative therapy should be considered if preoperative diagnosis can be made. Improvements in preoperative diagnosis and development of management guidelines is critical for ovarian preservation and conservative treatment options.

Crohn's Disease With Ovarian Granuloma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

We present an interesting case of a 35-year-old nulligravida with Crohn's disease with ovarian involvement. This is a rare manifestation of Crohn's disease, felt to arise from fistulization between the ovary and the intestine, most commonly the ileum. Our review of the literature revealed 11 additional case reports published in English with a total of 15 cases. The mean age at time of presentation was 33.7 years, with a predominance of right-sided involvement. This series included 10 patients with affected right ovaries, 3 with affected left ovaries, and 2 with bilateral involvement. We conclude that ovarian involvement in Crohn's disease, although rare, can exist, and that the gynecologic surgeon should be aware of this relevant disease manifestation.