Tubo-ovarian abscess in non sexually active adolescents

Abstract

A tubo-ovarian abscess is a rare presentation in non-sexually active adolescents; only 11 cases have been reported in the literature. Variable approaches for diagnosis and management are described. We present a 19-year-old, non-sexually active, medically free girl, who had an abdominopelvic mass with abdominal pain and vomiting followed by fever. She had a confusing presentation of malignancy versus tuberculosis, with the help of imaging, diagnosis and treatment with percutaneous drainage, conservative treatment was achieved. Diagnosis of a tubo-ovarian abscess is difficult in non-sexually active adolescents, a high clinical index of suspicion is important as misdiagnosis may lead to radical and aggressive management, conservative management is possible in many of these patients.

Tubo-Ovarian Abscesses in Nonsexually Active Adolescents: A Rare but Consequential Miss

“…Approximately, three quarters of patients had anatomic abnormalities and/or other disease processes that increased their risk of TOA, such as renal agenesis, appendicitis, and renal or urinary tract anomalies. The authors concluded that TOAs are not limited to sexually active females.Prior case reports of TOA in nonsexually active women are consistent with the findings of Hakim et al Two literature reviews summarize 11 cases of TOAs in nonsexually active adolescents [5,6]. Isolated organisms included Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides species, Peptostreptococcus, Peptococcus, and aerobic Streptococcus.…”

“…Prior case reports of TOA in nonsexually active women are consistent with the findings of Hakim et al Two literature reviews summarize 11 cases of TOAs in nonsexually active adolescents [5,6]. Isolated organisms included Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides species, Peptostreptococcus, Peptococcus, and aerobic Streptococcus.…”