Torsion of a Luteal Cyst at 36 Weeks of Gestation: A Case Report

Ovarian torsion in the third trimester of pregnancy is rare and may contribute to maternal and fetal morbidity. The pathogenesis of this condition is not fully understood. Physiological changes in the ovaries during pregnancy usually suppress ovarian function. However, factors such as increased ovarian size and an elongated anatomical pedicle, which are not typical physiological changes of pregnancy, may predispose to torsion. Therefore, ovarian torsion can be more difficult to diagnose during pregnancy. It may be misdiagnosed as other conditions, and the differential diagnosis includes acute appendicitis, ruptured corpus luteum cyst, and urinary obstruction. Here, we report the case of a G2P0 woman at 36 weeks of gestation who presented with lumbar and lower abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, urinary retention, and general weakness. Physical examination, laboratory tests, ultrasonography, and MRI were performed. A diagnosis of acute abdomen was made, and surgical intervention was successfully performed.