Fetal Ovarian Cyst Associated With Disorders of Sex Development: A Case Report

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Authors: Ana Sofia Rosado-Guzmán, Zaira Vanessa Escobedo-Enríquez, Abril Adriana Arellano-Llamas, Omar Rodolfo Sánchez Balpuesta, Cristo Neftaly Pérez-Lemus
Cited by: 0
References: 15

Abstract

Ovarian cyst is a frequent abdominal tumor in female fetuses (1/2,600 live births), but its prenatal diagnosis can be challenging in the context of ambiguous genitalia. The most common cause of genital virilization in female fetuses is congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), which results from the overproduction of androgen hormones. These hormones may influence the fetal ovary in a way comparable to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in adults, leading to the development of an ovarian cyst that may regress. We present the case of a fetus prenatally diagnosed with a large ovarian cyst and ambiguous genitalia. After birth, a diagnosis of salt-wasting CAH was confirmed. A left salpingo-oophorectomy was performed, and histopathological examination revealed a simple follicular cyst.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Sexual Differentiation and Disorders Ovarian function and disorders Ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment

Publication details

Journal / source
Cureus
Volume
18
Issue
1
Pages
e101022–e101022
Publication date
7 January 2026
Language
EN