Haemorrhagic ascites: An atypical presentation of endometriosis

Abstract

Haemorrhagic ascites is primarily associated with perforated abdominal viscera, malignancies and tuberculosis or hepatic pathologies. However, its presentation due to ovarian endometriosis is a rare finding. We report the rare occurrence of haemorrhagic ascites due to ovarian endometriosis in a 26-year-old multiparous female presentingwith severe abdominal pain. The other probable causes of ascites were excluded and computed tomography of abdomen and pelvis revealed moderate ascites with bulky left ovarian cyst. Abdominal paracentesis revealed haemorrhagic ascitic fluid which on cytopathology did not reveal evidence of malignancy. Diagnostic work-up including magnetic resonance imaging and diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed the diagnosis. She was treated with oral dienogest which caused regression of the mass and pain. This case highlights that endometriosis may be included in the differential diagnosis while treating haemorrhagic ascites in women in reproductive age.

Keywords

• endometriosis
• haemorrhagic ascites
• tubo-ovarian mass