Sclerosing peritonitis associated with bilateral luteinized thecoma, linked to anticonvulsant therapy

To present a new case of sclerosing peritonitis associated with bilateral luteinized thecoma of the ovaries, linked to anticonvulsant therapy.

A 22-year-old patient, receiving carbamazepine for seizures and anxiety attacks presented with shortness of breath, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Clinical and imaging examinations revealed bilateral ovarian masses with massive ascites. At emergency surgery, bilateral ovarian luteinized thecoma with sclerosing peritonitis was found. Due to recurrent, postoperative episodes of small bowel obstruction she was treated with nasogastric suction, intravenous fluids and electrolyte replacement. Total parenteral nutrition was introduced. Since only partial improvement was achieved tamoxifen was administered with resolution of the bowel obstruction.

This is the 19th case of sclerosing peritonitis associated with luteinized thecoma of the ovaries and the 3rd to be associated with anticonvulsant therapy. Treatment should be aimed at relief of bowel obstruction symptoms, preferably with conservative methods. Tamoxifen for downregulation of TGF-beta production should be considered as a treatment modality, as it proved to be very helpful in the presented patient.