A Case of Twisted Ovarian Dermoid Cyst During Pregnancy

Ovarian cysts are common during pregnancy as an outcome of routine prenatal ultrasounds. Although most cases are benign, complications, such as torsion, rupture, and malignant changes, can occur. Torsion risk increases fivefold during pregnancy. It is extremely hazardous to expectant mothers and unborn children. In a rural health tertiary center, we report the case of a 23-year-old primigravida with 14 weeks of pregnancy presented with acute abdomen and nausea, vomiting for four hours. On ultrasonography, she was diagnosed with a 14 cm x 11 cm left dermoid cyst. She underwent a laprotomy, and a twisted dermoid cyst was found; therefore, a left oophorectomy was performed with consent. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of a dermoid cyst. She is regularly followed up at our center with a healthy intrauterine fetus growing within. Although antepartum surgical intervention has been proven safe, there are some risks associated with abdominal surgery for both pregnant women and their unborn children. As a result, the management strategy must be chosen based on a risk-benefit analysis of adnexal mass characterization and gestational age.