Ovarian tuberculosis mimicking ovarian malignancy in an unvaccinated patient: A case report

Ovarian tuberculosis is a rare form of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis that usually present with atypical symptoms mimicking ovarian carcinoma.

We report a case of non-vaccinated 20-years-old women who present with non-specific symptoms and for whom imaging techniques weren't conclusive for ovarian tuberculosis. The ultrasound shows hydronephrosis secondary to the compressive pelvic mass. Regarding the compressive character of the mass and it's consequence on the urinary system as well as the suspicion of malignant origin, laparotomy was performed. Based on histopathological analysis of surgical biopsies a diagnosis of ovarian tuberculosis was made and the patient was put under anti-TB drugs. During the follow up there was a good response to treatment with improvement of health state, regression of the abdominopelvic mass as well as the hydronephrosis.

Ovarian tuberculosis can occur even in the absence of previous pulmonary TB. The major risk with female genital tuberculosis is infertility.

Ovarian tuberculosis is a rare form of extra pulmonary TB that should be always considered in differential diagnosis of ovarian TB.