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Ovarian ossification associated with endometriosis.
R Shaco-Levy1, T Lazer, B Piura
1Department of Pathology, Soroka University Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology
|July 17, 2007
Summary
Ovarian ossification, the formation of bone within the ovary, is rare but can be linked to endometriosis. This case highlights a heavily calcified ovarian mass associated with endometriosis, suggesting conservative management may be suitable.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic pathology
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Skeletal biology
Background:
- Ovarian bone formation, or ossification, is exceptionally rare outside of mature cystic teratomas.
- Endometriosis is a common gynecologic condition often associated with chronic pelvic pain.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old woman with endometriosis presented with a 3 cm solid, stony hard, calcified ovarian mass.
- Surgical examination revealed extensive calcification and mature bone formation within the ovarian stroma.
- Microscopic analysis confirmed the presence of bone adjacent to endometriosis foci.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates a unique association between endometriosis and ovarian ossification.
- This resulted in a heavily calcified adnexal mass, mimicking other ovarian pathologies.
- Extensive calcification and mature bone were key histological features.
Implications:
- Endometriosis may be an associated factor in ovarian ossification.
- Conservative management and close follow-up may be appropriate for small, calcified ovarian masses in patients with endometriosis desiring fertility preservation.
- This finding expands the differential diagnosis for calcified adnexal masses.
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