Krukenberg tumor mimicking pregnancy luteoma

Pregnancy-associated Krukenberg tumor is very rare, and the diagnosis in pregnancy is even more difficult. Usually symptoms are attributed to pregnancy luteomas, which are hormone-active benign neoplasms.

A 22-year-old female presented at the 28th week of gestation with rapid onset of hirsutism and acne since the 20th week of gestation. Physical and ultrasonographic examinations revealed bilateral ovarian solid masses which were considered as pregnancy luteomas. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy due to the onset of ascites and elevated tumor markers four months after delivery. Histopathologic examination revealed adenocarcinoma with signet-ring-type cells.

Krukenberg tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pregnancy luteomas. Otherwise, early diagnosis of the tumor can be delayed.