Autoimmune hemolytic anemia and ovarian dermoid cysts in pregnancy

Saudi Med J. 2019 Apr;40(4):397-400. doi: 10.15537/smj.2019.4.24107.

Abstract

Ovarian teratoma is a rare cause of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) by warm antibodies, resistant to corticosteroid therapy. This also implies that ovarian teratoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of AIHA, whether or not associated with pregnancy. We present a case of a primigravida who presented with ovarian dermoid cysts and AIHA at 24 weeks of gestation. The patient received corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, rituximab, and multiple blood transfusions, with no significant improvement. Hemoglobin levels returned to normal only after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia caused by dermoid cyst is a rare condition especially in pregnancy. However, in light of similar case reports and review of the existing literature, we conclude that surgical excision should be considered when AIHA and ovarian teratoma coexist.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / diagnosis
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / etiology*
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / complications*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Ovariectomy / methods*
  • Ovary / surgery
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / etiology*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / therapy*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / surgery*
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Teratoma / complications*
  • Teratoma / diagnosis
  • Teratoma / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Supplementary concepts

  • Teratoma, Ovarian