A Case of Ruptured Ovarian Cyst in a Newborn

ABSTRACT

Ovarian cysts are the most common cystic abdominal masses in female newborns. It is believed to be derived from an overstimulation of the ovarian follicles by maternal, placental, and fetal hormones. Although most ovarian cysts resolve spontaneously, surgical management is mandatory for life-threatening, complicated cases, including torsion, intracystic hemorrhage, and rupture of the cyst. Rupture of ovarian cysts is thought to be exceedingly rare, but can lead to severe hemorrhagic ascites or peritonitis. We managed a case of a ruptured ovarian cyst in a female newborn who presented with mild abdominal distension and two episodes of gross hematuria. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a right ovarian cyst with torsion and rupture. She was successfully treated with a right salpingo-oophorectomy with no sequelae.