A corpus luteum cyst develops from a corpus luteum that does not dissolve after ovulation.
Presentation
This clinical presentation of CL cyst is variable. While some patients with ruptured cysts exhibit mild unilateral discomfort, others will experience acute unilateral pelvic pain that is sharp in nature. Furthermore, the pain may occur with sexual intercourse, trauma, or physical activity [4] [5].
A ruptured cyst can result in peritonitis, which is characterized by severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and emesis.
Physical exam
Remarkable findings may include peritoneal signs, abdominal distention, and pelvic tenderness.
Entire Body System
- High Fever
Therefore, the appearance of pain, discomfort, heavy bleeding, high fever or vomiting should be as soon as possible to see a doctor. Physical activity can cause pain in women with corpus luteum cyst. [womenhealthneten.bitballoon.com]
Liver, Gall & Pancreas
- Biliary Colic
Our patient presented with symptoms and findings suggestive of acute biliary colic but testing revealed no biliary disease. [ijcasereportsandimages.com]
- Murphy's Sign
Voluntary guarding with palpation was noted in the RUQ area but no peritoneal signs were present. Murphy's sign was negative and the patient did not have any masses or hepatosplenomegaly. The patient denied costovertebral tenderness. [ijcasereportsandimages.com]
Skin
- Purpura
We describe a 17-year-old female presenting with syncope, abdominal pain, and large-volume hemoperitoneum, associated with diffuse petechiae and oral purpura, who was found to have a hemorrhagic corpus luteum cyst at laparoscopic exploration. [uthsc.pure.elsevier.com]
Fetus
- Third Trimester Bleeding
A case of a large persistent corpus luteum cyst associated with third trimester bleeding is presented. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
trimester bleeding. ( 97327 ) Miller E.I....Applegate J.W. 1978 15 Ureteral obstruction caused by hemorrhagic corpus luteum cyst. ( 4836342 ) Shah M.S....Pellman C. 1974 16 Pelvic pneumography identifying an ovarian corpus luteum cyst. ( 5824595 ) Lang [malacards.org]
Neurologic
- Excitement
Im sorry im asking so many questions but im excited and concerned at the same time. [surromomsonline.com]
Hysterectomy (pre hysterectomy) » corpus luteum ovarian cysts 6 Replies, The Road Less Traveled Advertisement Hysterectomy News May 13,2019 CURRENT NEWS HysterSisters Takes On Partner To Manage Continued Growth And Longevity I have news that is wonderful and exciting [hystersisters.com]
Urogenital
- Adnexal Mass
Abstract A young woman presented with an asymptomatic unilateral adnexal mass at six weeks postpartum. Her abdomen and pelvis had been considered unremarkable upon examination at parturition, at which time no adnexal masses were palpated. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Rockall and Isabelle Thomassin-Naggara, A systematic approach to adnexal masses discovered on ultrasound: the ADNEx MR scoring system, Abdominal Radiology, (2017). [doi.org]
Reliability of adnexal mass mobility in distinguishing possible ectopic pregnancy from corpus luteum cysts. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]
- Salpingitis
Gynecologic causes of RUQ pain include perihepatitis and adhesions between the liver and abdominal wall due to gonococcal and chlamydial salpingitis (Fitzhugh-Curtis syndrome). [ijcasereportsandimages.com]
Valentin, Ultrasound for diagnosing acute salpingitis: a prospective observational diagnostic study, Human Reproduction, 28, 6, (1569), (2013). H. Marret and M. [doi.org]
- Bladder Pain
22 Replies, Last Reply 01-09-2007, Started By catwoman44 » hemorrhagic cyst,bladder pain? 1 Reply, Last Reply 06-16-2006, Started By shera » cyst is 3 cm, how big is that 1 Reply, Last Reply 09-20-2005, Started By Already..Nicole » Cyst was gone! [hystersisters.com]
Workup
The workup consists of the patient's presentation, history, physical exam, and the relevant studies. The clinical assessment should rule out differential diagnoses such as ectopic pregnancy, acute appendicitis, etc.
Laboratory test
A serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG) - level must be obtained to determine the pregnancy status and the potential for an ectopic pregnancy [6] [7]. A complete blood count (CBC) is another important test.
Imaging
Pelvic/abdominal ultrasonography is the initial imaging study of choice. This modality demonstrates the presence of free hypoechoic fluid [3] [6]. Color doppler is used to reflect the vascularity of the cyst, which may display the "ring of fire" sign.
A computed tomography (CT) scan depicts the CL cyst as a well-circumscribed, unilocular adnexal mass. The lesion is usually less than 3 cm and features a thick wall and peripheral vascularization [8].
Treatment
Hemodynamically stable patients can be managed conservatively through monitoring of the vital signs and hemoglobin levels, repeat imaging, and pain management [9].
Unstable patients with hypotension, hemoperitoneum, and/or peritoneal signs warrant immediate surgical intervention.
Special consideration
The management of cysts found incidentally on ultrasonography depends on the size and characteristics of the mass. Larger cysts may require follow-up to ensure resolution [8].
Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are not used for the treatment of functional ovarian cysts since they have not proven to be effective [10].
Prognosis
While rupture of a CL cyst is rare, it is much more common in women of childbearing age as opposed to young adolescents [1] [2]. Hemoperitoneum is a severe consequence of hemorrhage [3].
Etiology
The CL cyst arises from the failure of the corpus luteum to regress after fertilization [1]. It may also be caused by clomiphene, which is a fertility drug that induces ovulation.
Epidemiology
Ovarian cysts are extremely common as almost all women of reproductive age will exhibit these on transvaginal ultrasound.
Pathophysiology
Once an ovum is released from the mature follicle during ovulation, the remnants of the latter, known as corpus luteum, will secrete progesterone in anticipation and preparation of a pregnancy. If conception does not occur, the CL should spontaneously involute a few days after ovulation. Failure to dissolve will cause the CL to collect fluid and blood and form into a cyst. The latter has the potential to rupture.
Prevention
OCPs can prevent the formation of functional ovarian cysts.
Summary
A corpus luteum (CL) cyst is one of two types of functional ovarian cysts. The clinical presentation of women with this cyst ranges from no symptoms to severe abdominal and pelvic pain. Complications include cyst rupture, which may have serious consequences. Diagnosis is achieved through evaluation of the clinical manifestations, the physical exam, and the appropriate studies. Management depends on the hemodynamic stability and overall picture. Prompt surgery is warranted in cases with hemoperitoneum.
Patient Information
A corpus luteal (CL) cyst is a type of ovarian cyst. The clinical presentation ranges from no symptoms to severe abdominal and pelvic pain. Diagnosis is achieved through evaluation of the signs and symptoms, physical exam, and studies such as a pregnancy test, ultrasound, etc. The treatment depends on the hemodynamic stability and overall picture. Prompt surgery is warranted in cases with serious hemorrhage.
References
- Lubner M, Menias C, Rucker C, Bhalla S, Peterson CM, Wang L, Gratz B. Blood in the belly: CT findings of hemoperitoneum. Radiographics. 2007; 27(1):109-25.
- Takeda A, Sakai K, Mitsui T, Nakamura H. Management of ruptured corpus luteum cyst of pregnancy occurring in a 15-year-old girl by laparoscopic surgery with intraoperative autologous blood transfusion. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2007;20(2):97-100.
- Potter AW, Chandrasekhar CA. US and CT evaluation of acute pelvic pain of gynecologic origin in nonpregnant premenopausal patients. Radiographics. 2008; 28(6):1645-59.
- Bottomley C, Bourne T. Diagnosis and management of ovarian cyst accidents. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2009, 23(5):711-24.
- Lambert MJ, Villa M. Gynecologic ultrasound in emergency medicine. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2004; 22(3):683-96.
- Roche O, Chavan N, Aquilina J, Rockall A. Radiological appearances of gynaecological emergencies. Insights Imaging. 2012; 3(3):265-75.
- Kaakaji Y, Nghiem HV, Nodell C, Winter TC. Sonography of obstetric and gynecologic emergencies: Part II, Gynecologic emergencies. A J Roentgen. 2000;174(3):651-6.
- Levine D, Brown DL, Andreotti RF, et al. Management of asymptomatic ovarian and other adnexal cysts imaged at US: Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound Consensus Conference Statement. Radiology. 2010;256(3): 943-54.
- Kim JH, Lee SM, Lee JH, et al. Successful conservative management of ruptured ovarian cysts with hemoperitoneum in healthy women. PLoS One. 2014; 9(3):e91171.
- ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 110: noncontraceptive uses of hormonal contraceptives. Obstet Gynecol. 2010; 15(1):206-18.