Case report of ovarian edema – A diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

Ovarian edema is a rare solid tumor-like condition, usually seen in women of reproductive age. It occurs due to the accumulation of interstitial fluid in the stroma of the ovary, because of partial or complete torsion of the ovary causing interference with the venous or lymphatic flow but not the arterial flow. It is a misleading condition, difficult to diagnose visually and can lead to oophorectomy resulting in loss of fertility and hormonal function. We report the case of a 13-year-old girl who presented with acute abdomen. The ovary gave a visual impression of malignancy at laparoscopy and a frozen section was done. The frozen section ruled out malignancy and reported as ovarian edema which is a benign condition. The patient underwent ovarian detorsion and the ovary was conserved. Ovarian conservation is important in young girls and oophorectomy should not be done on visual suspicion. When possible frozen section should be done to confirm a benign pathology intraoperatively before taking a decision of surgical removal of the ovary.

Keywords

• benign
• laparoscopy
• oophorectomy
• ovarian edema