Giant ovarian serous cyst and postmenopausal adnexal torsion: An unusual case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Adnexal torsion is an uncommon but urgent surgical situation more frequently observed during the reproductive years and rarely in postmenopausal women. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report describes a postmenopausal woman with a large left ovarian cyst measuring 18 × 20 × 22 cm who experienced adnexal torsion, which is a rare occurrence in this age group. To avoid the potential requirement for additional surgical procedures in case of cyst recurrence in the remaining ovary or the development of uterine diseases a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with cystectomy were performed. Histopathological analysis of the cyst confirmed that it was a benign serous cystadenoma of the ovary. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Adnexal torsion can happen at any age but is less likely to occur after menopause. Moreover, giant ovarian cysts (>10 cm) are uncommon, making adnexal torsion on these cysts a rare event. While laparotomy remains the gold standard surgical intervention, laparoscopy is beginning to play a role in management of giant cyst. CONCLUSIONS: This report documenting a rare case of adnexal torsion in a postmenopausal woman following a serous giant cystadenoma emphasizes that this surgical emergency can occur at any age. In addition, the report highlights that the presence of an ovarian mass or cyst increases the risk of adnexal torsion, regardless of age.