Luteoma of pregnancy: sonographic findings in two cases

Luteoma of pregnancy is a rare nonneoplastic tumor-like mass of the ovary that emerges during pregnancy and regresses spontaneously after delivery. It is usually asymptomatic and is found incidentally during a cesarean section or postpartum tubal ligation. However, luteomas can be hormonally active, with production of androgens resulting in maternal and fetal hirsutism and virilization. Less than 200 cases have been described in the literature, and none in radiologic journals. Recognition of this entity is important so that unnecessary oophorectomy, with concomitant risk to both the patient and the fetus, is avoided. In this report, we describe two cases of luteoma of pregnancy. The first case documents sequential ultrasonographic demonstration of a presumed luteoma of pregnancy in a patient who was seen with hirsutism during a second trimester pregnancy. The luteoma, serum androgen levels, and patient's condition improved after delivery. This case is unique in that although the mass significantly decreased in size post partum, it continued to be visualized 14 months post partum. The second case illustrates the pronounced cystic appearance that these classically described solid lesions can demonstrate because of extensive necrosis.