RUPTURED TUBO-OVARIAN ABSCESS RARE PRESENTATION OF PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE - A CASE REPORT

Background: Infection of the endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries, pelvic peritoneam, and adjacent structures is known as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Pelvic inflammatory disease and its consequences are still at epidemic levels, Despite the availability of effective broad-spectrum antibiotics. Tubo-ovarian abscess (TAO) may be difficult to identify since the clinical signs are comparable to those of other pelvic and abdominal illnesses. Case Description: Here we are reporting a case, 34 years nulligravida came to emergency department with acute abdomen, she was a known case of chronic PID, Emergency laparotomy was performed, per operatively ruptured tubo-ovarian abscess was present. Conclusion: The clinical diagnosis of PID and TAO is similar, imaging evidence from ultrasonography (US) or magnetic resonance (MR) should be used to supplement the clinical diagnosis. Clinical Significance: To avoid complications and resultant emergency surgeries and their consequences, a vigilant eye must be kept to promptly diagnose, and manage PID at the earliest.

Caracterización clínica epidemiológica de pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica tumoral / Epidemiological clinical characterization of patients with tumoral pelvic inflammatory disease

RESUMEN Introducción: La enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica es la infección grave más frecuente en mujeres entre 16 y 25 años. La adolescencia es el periodo de mayor riesgo de aparición por la mayor incidencia de factores de riesgo relacionados con conductas sexuales inseguras. Objetivo: Determinar las características clínico epidemiológicas de las pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica tumoral. Método: Se trabajó con una población de 63 pacientes. Se conformaron dos grupos de estudio, grupo I con las adolescentes y jóvenes, y grupo II con las demás pacientes. Las variables utilizadas fueron: relaciones sexuales precoces, número de parejas sexuales, relaciones sexuales desprotegidas, uso de dispositivos intrauterinos, antecedentes de interrupción de embarazo, principales manifestaciones clínicas, resultados de complementarios y tratamiento administrado. Resultados: Se encontró que el 76,4 % de las adolescentes tenían relaciones sexuales desprotegidas, 52,9 % comenzaron las relaciones sexuales antes de los 14 años, 64,7 % refirieron antecedentes de abortos provocados, y el 100 % solicitó atención por dolor pélvico. En el 95,6 % de las pacientes se utilizó tratamiento médico. Conclusiones: En la mayoría de los casos, el cuadro clínico y los complementarios realizados fueron consistentes con la enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica tumoral; y el tratamiento utilizado fue médico.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pelvic inflammatory disease is the most frequent serious infection in women between 16 and 25 years old. Adolescence is the period of highest risk of onset due to the higher incidence of risk factors related to unsafe sexual behaviors. Objective: To determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients diagnosed with tumoral pelvic inflammatory disease. Methods: We worked with a population of 63 patients. Two study groups were formed, group I with adolescents and young people, and group II with the other patients. The variables used were: early sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners, unprotected intercourse, use of intrauterine devices, history of pregnancy termination, main clinical manifestations, complementary results, and treatment administered. Results: It was found that 76.4% of the adolescents had unprotected sexual relations, 52.9% began sexual relations before the age of 14, 64.7% referred a history of induced abortions, and 100% requested attention for pain pelvic. Medical treatment was used in 95.6% of the patients. Conclusions: In most of the cases, the clinical and complementary symptoms performed were consistent with tumor pelvic inflammatory disease; and the treatment used was medical.

The association of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio with medical treatment failure in patients with tubo-ovarian abscess

Background@#Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an acute infection of the upper female genital tract, which may involve the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) is a complication of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Different methods are being utilized to predict the failure of medical management of TOA. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been proposed as a significant marker for diagnosis in PID. @*Objective@#To compare NLR and sonographic TOA volume between patients who responded to medical management versus patients with failed medical management, and who eventually underwent surgery. @*Methods@#This is a cross-sectional study done by reviewing the hospital records of patients admitted for TOA in a tertiary hospital, from 2014 to 2018. Demographic details of the patients, computed NLR values and TOA volumes were gathered and analyzed.@*Results@#There was no statistical difference between the group who responded to treatment (medical group) versus the group of patients with failed medical management (surgical group) in terms of age, gravidity, parity and mean volume of the TOA. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean NLR of the two treatment groups. @*Conclusion@#Patients diagnosed with TOA, and with failed medical management have significantly higher levels of NLR compared with patients who responded to medical treatment. This positive association can be explored in future researches to validate NLR as a predictor of medical treatment failure for patients with TOA. NLR can also be potentially utilized as novel marker to indicate need for earlier surgical management to decrease the patient’s risk for sepsis.

Predictors of treatment failure of medical management among patients with pelvic inflammatory disease with tubo-ovarian abscess admitted in a tertiary hospital

@#OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the predictors for treatment failure of medical management among admitted female patients diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease with tubo-ovarian abscess. METHODS: This was a retrospective nested case-control study, using chart review of all cases of pelvic inflammatory disease with tubo-ovarian abscess/complex (N = 49) admitted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Philippine General Hospital from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018. RESULTS: Medical treatment failure was observed to be significantly higher (51.9%) among patients 40 years old and above as compared to patients less than 40 years old (13.6%). The risk of patients ≥40 years for failed management was 14x higher than those <40 years old (OR=14.00; 95% CI=1.06 to 185.5;p=0.04). The failed management group has significantly higher TOA size of 7.8 (7.8 ± 1.6) as compared to only 5.8 (5.8 ± 1.4) for medical treatment alone group. Correspondingly, those who failed have a significantly bigger volume of 120.4 ml (120.4 ± 84.5) as compared to only 55.2 ml (55.2 ± 40.6) for medical treatment alone group. Other predictive factors such as parity, admitting White blood cell count(WBC), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and neutrophil-lymphocytic ratio(NLR) were all not significant. CONCLUSION: Tubo-ovarian abscess size of more than or equal to 7 cm, or a volume of more than or equal to 120 ml and advanced age of >40 were all predictive of failed response to medical treatment. Early recognition and intervention whether surgery or drainage may be beneficial to reduce morbidity and long-term sequelae of PID.

Term Delivery following ruptured tubo-ovarian abscess in early pegnancy / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

@#Tubo-ovarian abscess in pregnancy is extremely rare. Its occurrence increases the maternal and fetal morbidities and mortalities. The clinical presentation is variable ranging from asymptomatic abscess to diffuse peritonitis. In this report, we present a rare case of tubo-ovarian abscess complicating a pregnancy on its 6 weeks and 5 days age of gestation. The patient presented with frank peritonitis. Internal examination revealed uterine, adnexal and cervical tenderness with no masses palpated. A laparotomy was done and intra-operative findings showed an 8 x 4 cm-sized, right, ruptured tubo-ovarian abscess with purulent contamination of the whole pelvic cavity. Right salpingooophorectomy was performed and parenteral antibiotics were given. The pregnancy was eventually carried to term and the patient delivered by repeat low segment cesarean section without fetal and maternal complications.

Absceso de tubo-ovárico causado por neumococo / Pneumococcal tube-ovarian abscess

Streptococcus pneumoniae es un patógeno habitual en infecciones del tracto respiratorio y representa la causa más frecuente de neumonía, otitis media y sinusitis. Excepcionalmente, y de forma transitoria, puede colonizar el tracto genital inferior y ser causa de enfermedad pélvica inflamatoria y peritonitis secundaria. El objetivo es presentar un caso con el diagnóstico de absceso tubo-ovárico izquierdo con un germen poco común en esta localización. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 52 años, histerectomizada desde hace 12 años con una inmunodepresión secundaria como factor predisponente para el desarrollo de esta complicación. Se realizó laparotomía y se realizó exéresis de la tumoración y el cultivo microbiológico del contenido de ella. Se diagnosticó una infección por Streptococcus pneumoniae. La evolución posoperatoria fue satisfactoria(AU)

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common pathogen in respiratory tract infections and the most common cause of pneumonia, otitis media, and sinusitis. Exceptionally, and transiently, it can colonize the lower genital tract causing pelvic inflammatory disease and secondary peritonitis. The objective is to present a case with left tube-ovarian abscess diagnosis, with a rare germ at this location. The case of a 52-year-old patient is reported here. She was hysterectomized 12 years before with secondary immunosuppression as a predisposing factor for developing this complication. A laparotomy was performed and excision of the tumor and microbiological culture of the contents of the tumor were completed. Streptococcus pneumoniae was diagnosed. Postoperative evolution was satisfactory(AU)

The diagnostic value of CT in adnexal abscess / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the value of CT in diagnosis of adnexal abscess retrospectively.Methods The characteristic CT findings in 26 patients with adnexal abscess proved by histopathology were reviewed retrospectively.Results Of 26 patients,the adnexal abscess was presented in unilateral lesions(n=6) and bilateral lesions(n=20).There were total 46 lesions,which were pyosalpingitis (n=33) and tubo-ovarian abscess (n=13),respectively.CT findings of pyosalpingitis included dilated, thick-walled, enhancing fallopian tubes containing complex fluid.CT findings in tubo-ovarian abscess were thick-walled and multiloculated cystic masses,which had thick mural enhancement with multilayered appearance (n=10).Reactive inflammation of adjacent structures(n=21) manifested as haziness and stranding of the pelvic fat,thickening of the uterosacral ligaments, and pelvic peritonitis.Small or large bowel ileus (n=5) and hydroureter (n=3) resulted from adjacent inflammation of tubo-ovarian abscess.Endometritis was seen in 19 patients and ascites in 18 patients.Conclusion Familiarity with the CT appearances is important for timely diagnosis and treatment of adnexal abscess and its complications.

El absceso tubo-ovárico. Evolución en cuatro décadas en el Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza

Introducción: El absceso tubo-ovárico (ATO) es la respuesta de los órganos genitales de la mujer a la invasión de gérmenes; el proceso se focaliza formando un absceso y la cápsula permite la perpetuación de la infección y disminuye la acción antibiótica, siendo necesario la intervención quirúrgica como parte de la solución. Esta entidad se origina como secuela del aborto séptico (AS), enfermedad pélvica inflamatoria (EPI) y en mucha menor medida la infección puerperal. La rotura del absceso puede causar la muerte. Objetivo: Determinar la evolución de la prevalencia del absceso tubo-ovárico en un hospital nacional peruano, desde 1970 hasta 2010. Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo. Institución: Hospital Arzobispo Loayza, Lima, Perú. Participantes: Mujeres con absceso tuvo-ovárico. Intervenciones: Revisión de historias clínicas de pacientes con diagnóstico de absceso tubo-ovárico, en quienes se determinó la causa y su variación con el tiempo. Principales medidas de resultados: Prevalencia y causas del absceso tubo-ovárico en cuatro décadas. Resultados: En el estudio se observa la disminución de la presencia del ATO a través del tiempo y la inversión de las causas; en los inicios del estudio, la mayor causal de ATO fue el aborto séptico y en la década final fue la EPI. Conclusiones: En las cuatro décadas revisadas, disminuyó la frecuencia de absceso tubo-ovárico, variando la causa principal el aborto séptico a enfermedad pélvica inflamatoria.

Background: Tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) is the response of female genitalia to focus infection; the abscess capsule allows perpetuation of the infection by isolation of germs and reduces antibiotics performance, becoming necessary surgical intervention as part of the problem solution. TOA is sequel of septic abortion, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and less frequently due to puerperal infection. Abscess rupture can be mortal. Objectives: To determine variation of tubo-ovarian abscess prevalence at a Peruvian national hospital since 1970 through 2010. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Hospital Arzobispo Loayza, Lima, Peru. Participants: Women with tubo-ovarian abscess. Interventions: Review of clinical charts of patients with tubo-ovarian abscess and determination of the cause and variation throughout time. Main outcome measures: Prevalence and causes of tuboovarian abscess during four decades. Results: TOA decreased over the time studied with inversion of its main cause; in the early stage of this study the major cause was septic abortion (SA), whereas in recent years PID became the major cause. Conclusions: During the four decades studied tubo-ovarian abscess frequency decreased and the main cause septic abortion was displace by pelvic inflammatory disease.

Manejo laparoscópico de la enfermedad pélvica inflamatoria severa: reporte de tres casos y revisión de la literatura / Laparoscopic management of severe pelvic inflammatory disease: a report of three cases and a literature review

Objetivo: hacer una revisión de la literatura sobre la utilidad de la laparoscopia en el tratamiento del absceso tubovárico en términos de mejoría, estancia y fertilidad posterior. Materiales y métodos: se presentan tres casos de pacientes con enfermedad pélvica inflamatoria severa que consultaron a una institución privada de referencia ubicada en Medellín (Colombia), a quienes se les practicó una laparoscopia operatoria, además de la administración de un antibiótico parenteral como manejo. Se realizó una búsqueda en la base de datos Medline vía PubMed con las palabras clave: “tubo-ovarian abscess, treatment, laparoscopy, fertility”. Se realizó además una búsqueda de textos clásicos y guías de manejo. Resultados: se encontraron 49 artículos de los cuales 13 eran relevantes al problema en cuestión. De estas publicaciones, 8 eran artículos de revisión, 4 series de casos, y 1 un estudio de cohortes retrospectivas. Conclusión: el manejo laparoscópico conservador del absceso tubovárico en el período inicial de la enfermedad, adicional a los antibióticos, surge como una alternativa que podría mejorar los resultados a corto y largo plazo. Se requieren estudios de alta calidad que respalden esta observación...

Objective: carrying out a literature review about the usefulness of laparoscopy in treating tubo-ovarian abscesses in terms of improvement, hospital stay and subsequent fertility.Materials and methods: three cases of patients suffering from severe pelvic inflammatory disease are presented; they consulted at a private reference institution in Medellín, Colombia, and were then submitted to laparoscopy, accompanied by parenteral antibiotics as management. A search was made in the Medline database via PubMed using the following key words: “tubo-ovarian abscess, treatment, laparoscopy, fertility.” A search was also made in classical texts on the subject and management guidelines. Results: 49 pertinent articles were found, of which 13 were relevant to the matter in hand; 8 were review articles, 4 were case-series and 1 was a retrospective cohort study. Conclusion: conservative laparoscopic management of tubo-ovarian abscess during the disease’s initial period, accompanied by the appropriate antibiotic regime, emerged as an alternative which could improve short- and long-term results. High-quality studies are thus needed to confirm such observation...

Pelvic actinomycosis associated with bilateral hydronephrosis developed in a nulligravida woman / 대한산부인과학회지

Pelvic actinomycosis is well-known to be associated with the longstanding use of intrauterine devices, sometimes related with a pregnancy history and an obstetric and/or gynecologic surgery. It can extend to the retroperitoneum and may also be associated with ureteral obstruction. In this case, pelvic actinomycosis in the form of bilateral tubo-ovarian abscess extending to the retroperitoneum resulting in bilateral hydronephrosis occurred in a nulligravida woman who had only few prior sexual intercourses. Apparently, pelvic actinomycosis can occur without any specific history. Moreover, such could possibly give rise to hydronephrosis by direct extension to the retroperitoneum.

An Unusual Case of Tubo-ovarian Abscess by Gemella morbillorum

Gemellae is a gram positive cocci that forms part of the oropharyngeal microflora in humans and is anaerobic to aerotolerant. Unlike the other members of the same genus, G. morbillorum rarely causes human infections. Recently, we experienced a case of tubo-ovarian abscess caused by G. morbillorum which was initially suspected to be actinomycosis associated with intrauterine device. This is the first case in the world on tubo-ovarian abscess with G. morbillorum as the culprit.

An Unusual Case of Tubo-ovarian Abscess by Gemella morbillorum

Gemellae is a gram positive cocci that forms part of the oropharyngeal microflora in humans and is anaerobic to aerotolerant. Unlike the other members of the same genus, G. morbillorum rarely causes human infections. Recently, we experienced a case of tubo-ovarian abscess caused by G. morbillorum which was initially suspected to be actinomycosis associated with intrauterine device. This is the first case in the world on tubo-ovarian abscess with G. morbillorum as the culprit.

Primary Carcinoma of the Fallopian Tube: Report of Two Cases with Literature Review / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) is a rare tumor that histologically and clinically resembles epithelial ovarian cancer. PFTC has a worse prognosis than ovarian cancer as it is not routinely suspected and so treatment may be delayed. The early clinical manifestations and a prompt investigation can often lead to a correct diagnosis at an early stage. The preoperative diagnosis is usually difficult, and most patients with PFTC undergo laparotomy with the presumed diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma according to the presence of an adnexal mass. PFTC can present preoperatively as a tubo-ovarian abscess and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute pelvic peritonitis. PFTC should be suspected by clinicians even if the presenting symptoms are atypical. We report here on two cases of PFTC along with a brief review of the literature.

A case report of tubo-ovarian abscess, a complication of saline infusion sonohysterography.

Saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) is a widely used procedure for intrauterine lesion diagnosis. It has few side effects and complications. The authors present a case report of a middle-aged Thai woman who presented with metrorrhagia. Malignancy had been ruled out with fractional curettage. Despite hormonal treatment, she had persistent metrorrhagia. SIS was performed and a tubo-ovarian abscess developed. Exploratory laparotomy with TAH and BSO were carried out for treatment.

The value of serum CA 125 in tubo-ovarian abscess / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to measure the serum levels of CA 125, ESR and CRP in patients with tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) before and after treatment of abscess and to assess the usefulness of CA 125 in the diagnosis, prediction of the outcome of TOA treatment and clinical follow-up of patient's condition. METHODS: This retrospective study included 65 patients with TOA. Serum CA 125, ESR, CRP and WBC counts were measured. The treatment was done conservatively with antibiotics. The patients were divided into two groups: those with successful results into group 1 (29 cases) and those with unsuccessful results into group 2 (36 cases). If treatment was considered to be unsuccessful, surgical intervention was additionally performed. RESULTS: The serum levels of CA 125, ESR and abscess size on admission in group 2 were significantly higher than in group 1. ESR, abscess size and CA 125 in order were valuable predictive factors affecting the success of medical treatment. And the new cutoff value was 36.5 mm/h, 4.2 cm and 68.3 U/ml, respectively. The sensitivity rate of CA 125, ESR levels was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1. Although CRP was decreased significantly 10 days after treatment, the serum CA 125 was not decreased significantly. And it took 51.5 days for CA 125 to be normalized after the initiation of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The serum CA125, ESR levels and abscess sizes are predictive factors affecting the success of medical treatment of abscess treatment. And CA 125 and ESR are useful for diagnosing severity of disease. But serum CA 125 level is an inappropriate marker for monitoring short-term efficacy of treatment.

Tubo ovarian abscess caused by streptococcus group B: A case report and literature review.

A 34 year-old Thai female woman who had a previous history of recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease or recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), presented with recurrent pelvic pain and high grade fever. She was admitted and a diagnosis of tubo ovarian abscess was made. Physical examination and ultrasonographic examination demonstrated high grade fever, adnexal tenderness and a right mixed solid cystic mass compatible with tubo ovarian abscess. Despite prescription of combined parenteral antibiotic, her symptoms did not improve. An exploratory laparotomy showed a left ovarian abscess with a kinked fallopian tube behind the uterus. A left salpingectomy with partial oophorectomy was performed. Cultured pus was identified as group B streptococci. Antibiotics therapy was continued until clinical improvment and she was discharged on the seventh post operative day. Tubo ovarian abscess or tubo ovarian abscess (TOA) is a serious consequence of PID. The streptococcus group B infection is a rare cause of TOA. There is a discussion about diagnosis, medical treatment and surgical treatment. Although medical treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics has allowed patients to avoid operations, some of them who failed medical treatment required surgical treatment. Especially in women who need childbearing potential in future, conservative surgery has become the initial approach as well as this case report.

A clinical study of the treatment of pelvic actinomycosis / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: Pelvic actinomycosis is a rare disease, which make chronic granulomatous suppurative pelvic abscess caused by an anaerobic Gram positive organism Actinomyces israelii usually associated with intra-uterine devices, and difficult to diagnose exactly before operation. Pelvic actinomycosis is frequently confused with gynecologic malignancy, leading to misdiagnosis and overtreatment. We experienced 8 cases of pelvic actinomycosis and provide the advice for treatment of pelvic actinomycosis METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the medical chart of 8 cases which have visited to Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Anam Hospital, Korea University for pelvic actinomycosis from January 1999 to January 2007. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 45.2 years old. Main symptoms were abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, dysmenorrhea and fever with chilling. All cases have used the intrauterine devices for 5-20 years. 3 cases were diagnosed preoperatively by endometrial biopsy, punch biopsy, or empirically, and the others suspected to tuboovarian abscess or malignancy, and then their diagnoses were conformed by operation. 5 cases were treated by operation following antibiotics therapy, and 2 cases by antibiotics without operation, and 1 case by antibiotics therapy following operation. All cases were completely cured. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of pelvic actinomycosis, most important point is making the diagnosis before operation for decreasing complication such as bowel, bladder, and other pelvic organ injury. Inevitably, if the diagnosis was established by operation, postoperative high-dose antibiotic therapy was needed for several months.

The Predictive Factors that Determines the Surgical Intervention in Tubo-Ovarian Abscess Patients / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To assess what are the predictive factors that differentiate between medical and surgical group and, to determine the group that can be treated more efficiently with early surgical intervention than with conservative medical management. METHODS: Clinical and epidemiologic factors from the medical records of 85 selected patients who had either medical (n=52) or surgical (n=33) treatments for Tubo-ovarian abscess in Dongguk university hospital from February 1998 to May 2003 were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Prognosis was predictable on the basis of response to the medical therapy and the extent of the disease at the time of the diagnosis. There was apparent association with the age, parity factors and CRP values where higher the variables, surgical intervention was needed. Same results were obtained with the large size of the abscess according to the sonography and the usage of the intrauterine devices (p0.05). CONCLUSION: Medical therapy in the patients with high parity or old age is most likely to fail if the size of the abscess is more than 6 cm, increased CRP value or using IUD as a contraceptive. These prognostic factors should be considered in the early surgical interventions to prevent the subsequent complications from the delay of treatments and also to reduce the duration.

The Predictive Factors that Determines the Surgical Intervention in Tubo-Ovarian Abscess Patients / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To assess what are the predictive factors that differentiate between medical and surgical group and, to determine the group that can be treated more efficiently with early surgical intervention than with conservative medical management. METHODS: Clinical and epidemiologic factors from the medical records of 85 selected patients who had either medical (n=52) or surgical (n=33) treatments for Tubo-ovarian abscess in Dongguk university hospital from February 1998 to May 2003 were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Prognosis was predictable on the basis of response to the medical therapy and the extent of the disease at the time of the diagnosis. There was apparent association with the age, parity factors and CRP values where higher the variables, surgical intervention was needed. Same results were obtained with the large size of the abscess according to the sonography and the usage of the intrauterine devices (p0.05). CONCLUSION: Medical therapy in the patients with high parity or old age is most likely to fail if the size of the abscess is more than 6 cm, increased CRP value or using IUD as a contraceptive. These prognostic factors should be considered in the early surgical interventions to prevent the subsequent complications from the delay of treatments and also to reduce the duration.

Radiographic Findings of Tubo-ovarian Abscess / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify retrospectively the different computed tomography markers and sonography in a series of surgically and pathologically proven cases of tubo-ovarian abscesses in order to achieve correct preoperative diagnosis of this life-threatening condition. METHODS: A review of the medical and pathological records from the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Catholic University Medical College from January 1993 to January 2003 confirmed 79 patients with the diagnosis of tubo-ovarian abscess. Patient were divided into two groups. From this group 15 patients who underwent CT prior to therapy were identified, and the medical records, pathologic reports and CT of these patients were retrospectively reviewed and correlated. RESULTS: All 79 patients underwent operative surgery and were confirmed tubo-ovarian abscess. CT findings of tubo-ovarian abscess present in our patients were (a) a thick-walled fluid-density mass in an adnexal location, (b) septation or partial septation within the mass, (c) indistinct borders with the uterus and adjacent bowel loops, (d) anterior displacement of the mesosalpinx, indicating a probable adnexal origin, and (e) bilateral or unilateral hydronephrosis with hydroureter. CONCLUSION: Tubo-ovarian abscess must be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic unilateral or bilateral pelvic masses identified on CT. CT usually plays a secondary role in the diagnosis of tubo-ovarian abscess but can be valuable in difficult cases. Lack of a typical clinical presentation should not dissuade the radiologist from suggesting this diagnosis; indeed, the atypical presentation may be the reason why the patient is being evaluated initially with CT rather than with ultrasound.