Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
08:09
Tubal Cytology of the Fallopian Tube as a Promising Tool for Ovarian Cancer Early Detection
Published on: July 25, 2017
Pelvic Salmonella infection masquerading as gynecologic malignancy
1From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|July 20, 2011
Summary
Salmonella tubo-ovarian abscess is rare but can occur. This case highlights the importance of considering infectious causes for pelvic masses, even with imaging suggestive of neoplasm.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic infections
- Reproductive health
- Infectious disease pathology
Background:
- Tubo-ovarian abscesses (TOAs) are uncommon, particularly those caused by Salmonella species.
- Salmonella is primarily a gastrointestinal pathogen, not typically associated with severe intraperitoneal infections.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old woman presented with symptoms of abdominal pain, fever, and bloody diarrhea.
- Pelvic imaging revealed complex masses suspicious for neoplasm, but surgical exploration uncovered bilateral tubo-ovarian abscesses and peritonitis.
- Ovarian tissue culture confirmed Salmonella infection.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with bilateral ovarian abscesses and an endometriotic cyst.
- A 6-week antibiotic course successfully eradicated the Salmonella infection.
- Post-treatment, the patient remained asymptomatic with normalized menstrual cycles.
Implications:
- Pelvic mass evaluation in reproductive-aged women presents diagnostic challenges, with imaging potentially being misleading.
- This case underscores the need to consider rare infectious etiologies, like Salmonella TOA, in the differential diagnosis of pelvic masses.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in such cases.
More Related Videos
10:35An Orthotopic Model of Serous Ovarian Cancer in Immunocompetent Mice for in vivo Tumor Imaging and Monitoring of Tumor Immune Responses
Published on: November 28, 2010
07:20Intraoperative Detection of Subtle Endometriosis: A Novel Paradigm for Detection and Treatment of Pelvic Pain Associated with the Loss of Peritoneal Integrity
Published on: December 21, 2012
Related Concept Videos
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
01:18Trichomoniasis
Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan parasite and the causative agent of trichomoniasis, one of the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infections in the United States. This extracellular parasite primarily colonizes the lower genitourinary tract in women—particularly the vagina—and in men, the urethra and prostate. Its structural and functional adaptations enable its survival, motility, and pathogenicity within the host environment.Structural Features and Host EntryT.
01:12Giardiasis
Giardiasis is a globally prevalent intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia or G. intestinalis). This flagellated protozoan is the most frequently identified intestinal parasite in the United States and worldwide. Transmission primarily occurs via the fecal-oral route, with infection arising from ingestion of water or food contaminated with cysts. Individuals in low-resource settings, international travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, daycare...
01:28Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, poses significant public health challenges globally due to its high seroprevalence and varied clinical manifestations. As an obligate intracellular parasite, T. gondii can infect all warm-blooded vertebrates, but felids are its only definitive hosts, shedding unsporulated oocysts into the environment. Humans typically acquire the infection through ingestion of tissue cysts in undercooked meat or oocysts from...
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
01:19Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...