Chemical peritonitis resulting from spontaneous rupture of a mature ovarian cystic teratoma: a case report

Abstract

Background

Mature cystic teratomas (dermoid cysts) are the most common germ cell tumours with 10–25% incidence of adult and 50% of paediatric ovarian tumours. The aetiology of dermoid cysts is still unclear, although currently the parthenogenic theory is most widely accepted. The tumour is slow-growing and in the majority of cases it is an accidental finding. Presenting symptoms are vague and nonspecific. The main complication of a dermoid cyst is cyst torsion (15%); other reported complications include malignant transformation (1–2%), infection (1%), and rupture (0.3–2%). Prolonged pressure during pregnancy, torsion with infarction, or a direct trauma are the main risk factors for a  spontaneous dermoid rupture that can lead to acute or chronic peritonitis. The diagnosis of mature cystic teratoma is often made in retrospect after surgical resection of an ovarian cyst, because such imaging modalities as ultrasound, computer tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging cannot yet accurately and reliably distinguish between benign and malignant pathology.

Materials and methods

We present a report of a clinical case of a 35-years-old female, who was referred to the hospital due to abdominal pain spreading to her feet for three successive days. She had a history of a normal vaginal delivery one month before. Abdominal examination revealed mild tenderness in the  lower abdomen; no obvious muscle rigidity was noted. Transvaginal ultrasound showed a multiloculated cystic mass measuring 16 × 10 cm in the pelvis. In the absence of urgency, planned surgical treatment was recommended. The next day the patient was referred to the hospital again, with a complaint of stronger abdominal pain (7/10), nausea, and vomiting. This time abdominal examination revealed symptoms of acute peritonitis. The ultrasound scan differed from the previous one. This time, the transvaginal ultrasound scan revealed abnormally changed ovaries bilaterally. There was a large amount of free fluid in the abdominal cavity. The patient was operated on – left laparoscopic cystectomy and right adnexectomy were performed. Postoperative antibacterial treatment, infusion of fluids, painkillers, prophylaxis of the thromboembolism were administered. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the seventh postoperative day and was sent for outpatient observation.

Results and conclusions

Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice for a dermoid cyst because it is safe, non-invasive, and quick to perform. Leakage or spillage of dermoid cyst contents can cause chemical peritonitis, which is an aseptic inflammatory peritoneal reaction. Once a rupture of an ovarian cystic teratoma is diagnosed, immediate surgical intervention with prompt removal of the spontaneously ruptured ovarian cyst and thorough peritoneal lavage are required.

INTRODUCTION

Mature cystic teratomas or dermoid cysts are the most common germ cell tumours with the incidence of 10–25% and 50% of paediatric ovarian tumours (1). Dermoid cysts comprise about 30% of all benign ovary tumours and can occur at any age, but they are more common during reproductive years, especially in patients under 30 years of age (2). These tumours can be bilateral in 8–15% of all cases (3). The tumour is slow-growing and usually asymptomatic, and because of that it is an accidental finding in the majority of cases. Clinical symptoms are associated with complications. The main complication of a dermoid cyst is cyst torsion (15%). Other reported complications include malignant transformation (1–2%), infection (1%), and rupture (0.3–2%) (4). A  spontaneous rupture is an extremely rare complication of mature cystic teratoma because of its usually thick capsule. Prolonged pressure during pregnancy, cyst torsion with infarction, or a direct trauma are the main risk factors for a spontaneous dermoid rupture that can lead to acute or chronic peritonitis (5). The incidence of chemical peritonitis after a cyst rupture is less than 1%. This condition requires urgent surgical treatment (6). We report a case of 35-year-old female, who developed chemical peritonitis resulting from a spontaneous intraperitoneal rupture of a dermoid cyst.

THE CLINICAL CASE

A 35-year-old female, gravida 3, para 3, presented to our emergency room with a complaint of abdominal pain spreading to her feet for three successive days. She had a medical history of a normal vaginal delivery one month before. She had no gynaecological operations or diseases.

On physical examination, the  patient’s vital signs were stable, temperature was normal. Abdominal examination revealed mild tenderness in the lower abdomen; no obvious muscle rigidity was noted. A big mass in the pelvis was felt during pelvic examination.

Transvaginal ultrasound showed a  multiloculated cystic mass measuring 16 × 10 cm in the pelvis (Fig.  1). There was no fluid in the  pelvis. In the  absence of urgency, planned surgical treatment was prescribed.

Fig. 1.

Transvaginal ultrasound: a  multiloculated cystic mass measuring 16 × 10 cm in the pelvis

The next day, the patient presented to our clinic again, with a complaint of stronger abdominal pain (7/10), nausea, and vomiting. This time abdominal examination revealed symptoms of peritonitis : tenderness in the  lower abdomen and muscle rigidity. Total white blood cell count was 15.60 × 10⁹/L and C-reactive protein (CRP) was increased (96  mg/l). Ultrasound scan pictures were different from previous. This time transvaginal ultrasound scan revealed abnormally changed ovaries bilaterally. The multiloculated cystic mass in right ovary measured 8.8 × 5.2 cm (Fig. 2) and the  multiloculated cystic mass in the  left ovary was 4.5 × 5.5 cm in size (Fig. 3). Uterine size was 4.7 × 3.2 cm, with endometrial thickness of 6 mm. There was a moderate amount of free fluid in the abdominal cavity. A CT scan was not performed. The patient was admitted to the gynaecological department for surgical treatment.

Laparoscopic surgery was undertaken. Operative findings revealed about 1500  ml of yellowish ascites containing adipose component. The peritoneum, the bowel, the stomach, the liver, the uterus, and both adnexa were covered by diffuse, thick, white to yellowish lesion. A cystic mass of 7  cm in size was seen in the  left ovary and it was strongly adhered to the superior part of the rectum. The right ovary with a cystic mass approximately 20 cm in size was torsed, ruptured, and necrotized. The right fallopian tube was fixed to the unilateral ovary (Fig. 4).

Fig. 2.

Transvaginal ultrasound: multiloculated cystic mass in the right ovary

Fig. 3.

Transvaginal ultrasound: a multiloculated cystic mass in the left ovary

Abdominal surgeons were called into the operating room to evaluate the possibility of surgical pathology. The pathology of the peritoneum, the bowels, the stomach, the liver, and the appendix was declined, and there were no signs of perforation or diverticulation. Adherence between the left adnexa and the superior part of the rectum were dissected.

Left cystectomy and right oophorectomy were performed (a  hair tuft was present inside the cyst). Peritoneal lavage with 4000 mL of warm saline, until the solution was clean, was administered. The abdominal cavity was drained with two drains.

Fig. 4.

Intraoperative laparoscopic findings: a massive left ovarian cyst

The histological examination showed billateral mature dermoid cysts. The section of the left cystic ovary revealed accumulation of various mature tissues such as adipose, muscle tissue, mucous gland, cartilage, hair folicules with focal wall lymphoplasmocitic infliltration, and foreign body giant cells. The wall of the right cystic ovary was partially necrosed with digestive tract cells and diffuse neutrophil infiltration. The  ascitic fluid citology was negative for bacteria. Antibiotic therapy with Sol Amoxiclavi 1.2 g I/V every 6 h and Sol. Metronidazoli 500 mg I/V every 8 h for seven days, infusion theraphy, and prophylaxis of trombembolism were administered.

The  postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged on the seventh postoperative day and sent for further outpatient observation.

LITERATURE REVIEW AND DISCUSSION

Definitions and classification

Ovarian germ cell tumours (OGCTs) are heterogenous tumours that are derived from primitive germ cells of the embryonic gonads. According to the 2014 classification by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the tumours are divided into two main categories: primitive malignant neoplasms of germinogenic cells (dysgerminomas) and teratomas, most of which are mature cystic teratomas (7).

Teratomas are the most common germ cell tumours, which might consist of multiple cell types derived from one or more of three germ layers. The  word teratoma is derived from Greek word teras, which means monster. This term was formulated in 1863 in the first edition of Virchow’s book about tumours (8). Teratomas can be divided into two groups:

a)  mature teratomas, which include dermoid cysts, and are generally benign

b) immature teratomas, which can be cancerous (9).

Epidemiology

OGCTs constitute about 20–25% of all ovarian neoplasms. Ninety-five per cent of tumours are benign. Mature cystic teratomas (MCT) are the most common germ cell tumours that comprise about 95% of all ovarian germ cell tumours and 10–25% of all ovarian tumours (10). The incidence rate of dermoid cysts is 1.2–14.2/100 000 females (11).

This type of tumour can occur at any age, but is more common during reproductive years, especially in patients under 30 years of age (2). Early diagnosis and operative treatment (cystectomy) in childhood and adolescence are important for the  development of normal puberty and future fertility (12). In their study, Zupi et al. compared tumour-affected ovaries before and after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. Of 632 patients, 56 had 3 cm³ or larger ovarian volume at 12 months post-operatively on transvaginal ultrasound. Moreover, 24 of these patients had no normal ovarian tissue pre-operatively during transvaginal ultrasound (13).

Aetiology

The exact mechanisms of the development of teratomas remain unclear. Currently, the parthenogenic theory is the  most widely accepted. Most have a  46XX karyotype and by parthenogenesis develop from a single haploid germ cell. This theory supports the presence of Barr bodies (nuclear sex chromatin) in the tumour cells (8). There are no new data about the risk factors for the development of the benign dermoid cyst. Parazzini et al. revealed that there is no relation between the marital status, the age at menarche, the menopausal status, abortions, the  age at the  first pregnancy, oral contraceptive use and the risk of ovarian benign teratomas (14). In their retrospective study, Park et al. revealed that elevated CA-125 levels, older age, large tumour masses, and the postmenopausal status are the main risk factors for malignant transformation of MCT (15).

Location

Although mature cystic teratomas (MCT) commonly occur in ovaries, they can be found anywhere in the  body. Dermoid cysts may occur at extragonadal sites, usually along the  midline of the  body: anterior mediastinum, the  sacrococcygeal region, the retroperitoneal area, the head, the neck, and the central nervous system. Mature cystic teratomas have been reported throughout the gastrointestinal tract in caecum, pancreas, and omentum (16, 17). Dermoid cysts are bilateral in 8–15% of cases (18). Sometimes ipsilateral multiple ovarian teratomas can occur (with the  incidence of about 9%) (9). Ruchi Rathore  et  al. reviewed different studies and revealed that pathology side in unilateral cases may vary depending on studies (19).

Symptoms

In at least a quarter of all cases, MCT are asymptomatic and discovered accidentally on a routine pelvic examination, imaging, or during surgery (20). If it causes symptoms, the most common symptom of ovarian MCT is lower abdomen pain, which occurs in nearly half of the patients (9). On the other hand, this type of tumour may also become symptomatic due to complications. The latter include dermoid cyst torsion (15%), rupture (0.3–2%), malignant transformation (1–2%), and infection (1%) (4). Nausea, vomiting, constipation, urinary retention and hydronephrosis are less common symptoms (21).

Moreover, due to the slow growth of the cystic mass, 1.8 mm/year, dermoid cysts are usually large at the  time of diagnosis. Growth factors remain unclear, but increasing levels of hormones oestrogen and progesterone may explain the  increase in the  size of dermoid cysts after puberty and their arrested growth after menopause (22). Big size of the tumour may cause symptoms caused by pressure of the adjacent organs, bowel obstruction, and fistula formation into the small and large bowel (23). Garrido-Abadet al. described an unusual cause ofa renal colic case caused by a giant dermoid cyst (24).

An extremely rare manifestation of mature cystic teratoma is anti-NMDA-receptor encephalitis. Neurological symptoms develop because of the antibodies generated in response to the neural elements within the teratoma (25).

Diagnostics

Preoperative diagnosis of mature cystic teratoma still remains a very challenging task for clinicians, because primary symptoms are often vague and nonspecific. It is advisable to start from vaginal examination (it is important for differential diagnosis). The clinician can evaluate the size, the contour, and mobility of the uterus with adnexes. Abdominal examination can reveal a large teratoma.

In imaging, MCTs have a wide spectrum of radiological presentation ranging from a purely cystic mass to a complex cystic mass with a considerable solid component. Ultrasound is the  imaging modality of choice for a dermoid cyst because it is safe, non-invasive, and quick to perform, although it is not always easy to differentiate MCT from the haemorrhagic cyst (26). MCTs ultrasound findings include the presence of a Rokitansky nodule, dermoid mesh, and the “tip of iceberg sign”. The Rokitansky nodule is a cystic lesion with a densely echogenic tubercle projecting into the cystic lumen. Dermoid mesh refers to hyperechogenic lines arising from hairs (27). Ultrasound is also useful in differentiating benign ovarian masses from malignant lesions. Malignancy characteristics include:

1) ovarian volume above 20 cm³;

2) septations;

3) papillary projections;

4) heterogeneous tissue echogenicity;

5) vascular support to a lesion (Color Doppler) (28).

Computed tomography (CT) has an excellent sensitivity (93–98%) due to detecting fat in the diagnosis of a dermoid cyst. The presence of fat (areas with low Hounsfield units) inside an ovarian tumour and calcifications appear to be specific to a mature cystic teratoma (29).

The exact diagnosis of a dermoid cyst is determined by histological examination. Macroscopically, dermoid cysts usually are multicystic and contain sebaceous fluid and tissue of two or more germ cell layers, e.g., ectoderm (hair, skin, brain), mesoderm (teeth, bone, cartilage, muscle, fat), or endoderm (mucous and ciliated epithelium) (30). Furthermone, it is important to emphasize, that attentive histopathological examination of postoperative specimen is mandatory. MCTs can frequently arise in combination with over ovarian neoplasms, that can be fatal without an additional treatment (31).

Dermoid cyst rupture and chemical peritonitis

MTC can rupture spontaneously or during surgery. The rarity of a spontaneous intraperitoneal dermoid cyst rupture (0.3–0.7%) is due to a thick capsule. It may rupture into the peritoneal cavity or into the adjacent hollow organs like bowels, the bladder, or the vagina (10). The exact causes of the  rupture are mostly unknown, but factors such as prolonged pressure during pregnancy, torsion with infarction, direct trauma, malignant transformation, and internal pressure from rapid growth of the  mass are the  most likely explanations (5). It is important to mention that in our case the  patient had a  vaginal delivery a  month before the symptoms occurred.

The traditional surgical treatment of dermoid cysts was cystectomy by laparotomy, although laparoscopic cystectomy is now widely accepted. The rates of spillage of dermoid cysts into the  peritoneal cavity after the  removal of cysts by laparoscopy were 15% to 100% in several series, compared to much lower spillage rates (only 4% to 13%) when cysts were removed by laparotomy (32). Leakage or spillage of dermoid cyst contents can cause chemical peritonitis, which is an aseptic inflammatory peritoneal reaction. Chemical peritonitis after spillage of teratoma contents after laparoscopic surgeries is a rare complication with an incidence of less than 1% if the contents are fully removed (6). If chemical peritonitis develops, early repeat surgery may be advantageous, especially if remnants are suspected.

There are two different types of clinical presentation, which depend on the leakage time: acute and chronic. Acute peritonitis is caused by a  sudden wide cyst rupture and abrupt leakage of sebaceous material, while chronic granulomatous peritonitis is caused by a slow leak from a tiny tear in the cyst wall (3).

The clinical presentation might be insignificant in the  early period, however, the  patient would complain of progressive abdominal pain, abdominal distention, fever, and gastrointestinal disturbances such an anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea (33). Chemical peritonitis can result in pelvic adhesive disease or bowel obstruction, abdominal wall abscesses, enterocutaneous fistula formation, and other complications, which require intensive medical management and repeat surgical treatments (32). Since the acute abdomen can a be a result of wide range of diseases, differential diagnosis plays an important role.

An accurate diagnosis of a  ruptured ovarian teratoma can be confirmed when the  discontinuity of the cyst wall is noted at ultrasonography (US), CT, and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (3). In the presented case, we had an opportunity to perform pelvic ultrasonography on two successive days and it was obvious that the appearance of the multiloculated cystic mass changed. Furthermore, during ultrasonography scan on the second day, there was free fluid in the abdominal cavity. The clinical diagnosis of the ruptured ovarian teratoma was made with a  high positive predictive value. We did not perform any other visual diagnostic tests.

Only in a small number of cases, the diagnosis of a ruptured ovarian dermoid cyst can be made by ultrasonography alone. A  computed tomography scan can be helpful because this modality is very sensitive (93–98%) for the  detection of an intraperitoneal fatty implant, most commonly around the liver surface (34).

Although there is a lack of literature on the management of chemical peritonitis due to an ovarian cyst rupture, the treatment of choice, once rupture of an ovarian cystic teratoma is diagnosed, should be immediate surgical intervention. The purpose of surgery is prompt removal of a spontaneously ruptured ovarian cyst with thorough peritoneal lavage. These steps are sufficient to prevent prolonged chemical peritonitis (5).

CONCLUSIONS

1)  Mature cystic teratomas or dermoid cysts are the most common germ cell tumours that comprise about 30% of all benign ovarian tumours and are the most commonly diagnosed in females of the reproductive age.

2) The exact mechanisms of teratoma development remains unclear.

3) Preoperative diagnosis of mature cystic teratoma still remains a  very challenging task for clinicians, because primary symptoms are often nonspecific. In at least 25% of all cases, MCTs are asymptomatic and discovered accidentally on a  routine pelvic examination, imaging, or during surgery.

4) Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice for a dermoid cyst because it is safe, non-invasive, and quick to perform.

5) The main complications of dermoid cysts are cystic torsion (15%), malignant transformation (1–2%), infection (1%), and rupture (0.3–2%).

6) Prolonged pressure during pregnancy, torsion with infarction, or a direct trauma are the main risk factors for spontaneous dermoid rupture, which can lead to acute or chronic peritonitis.

7) Leakage or spillage of the contents of a dermoid cyst can cause chemical peritonitis, which is an aseptic inflammatory peritoneal reaction.

8) Once a rupture of an ovarian cystic teratoma is diagnosed, immediate surgical intervention with prompt removal of a spontaneously ruptured ovarian cyst with thorough peritoneal lavage is required.

Diana Bužinskienė, Matas Mongirdas, Saulius Mikėnas, Gražina Drąsutienė, Linas Andreika, Indrė Sakalauskaitė