Ruptured granulosa cell tumor of the ovary presenting with catastrophic intra-abdominal hemorrhage: A case report

Adult granulosa cell tumor (GCT) is a rare stromal cell neoplasm that most often arises from the ovary. Presenting symptoms are related to external compression of adjacent structures (mass effect) or secretion of hormones such as estrogen. Patients most commonly present with irregular menstruation, postmenopausal bleeding, and abdominal pain. Prolonged estrogen exposure can contribute to endometrial adenocarcinoma development in untreated patients. The highly vascular nature of GCTs can lead to hemorrhagic rupture in rare cases.

We describe a case of adult GCT in a 44-year-old female with a history of irregular menstrual bleeding and anemia. The patient presented with shortness of breath and abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated possible hemorrhagic ascites of unclear etiology and a pelvic mass. The patient was brought to the operating room in hemorrhagic shock for surgical exploration where she was found to have active bleeding of a ruptured ovarian tumor for which she underwent left salpingo-oophorectomy. Postoperative course was unremarkable, and pathology demonstrated ruptured GCT.

Although rare, ovarian tumors can present with massive bleeding following rupture. Granulosa cell tumors are surreptitious as they grow slowly, and symptoms such as distention, abdominal pain, and irregular vaginal bleeding are nonspecific.

CT findings demonstrating a pelvic mass in the setting of spontaneous intra-abdominal bleeding should raise clinical suspicion, particularly in patients with histories of menstrual abnormalities. Patients with suspected intra-abdominal hemorrhage due to any cause are best treated by prompt surgical exploration and aggressive resuscitation.