Theca lutein cyst

Theca lutein cyst is a type of bilateral functional ovarian cyst filled with clear, straw-colored fluid. These cysts result from exaggerated physiological stimulation (hyperreactio luteinalis) due to elevated levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) or hypersensitivity to beta-hCG.[1][2] On ultrasound and MRI, theca lutein cysts appear in multiples on ovaries that are enlarged.[3]

Theca lutein cysts are associated with gestational trophoblastic disease (molar pregnancy), choriocarcinomas, and multiple gestations.[4][5] In some cases, these cysts may also be associated with diabetes mellitus and alloimmunisation to Rh-D. They have rarely been associated with chronic kidney disease and hyperthyroidism.[6]

Usually, these cysts spontaneously resolve after the molar pregnancy is terminated. Rarely, when the theca lutein cysts are stimulated by hormones called gonadotropins, massive ascites can result. In most cases, however, abdominal symptoms are minimal and restricted to peritoneal irritation from cyst hemorrhage.[7] Due to the enlargement of the ovaries, there is an increased risk for torsion.[3] Surgical intervention may be required to remove ruptured or infarcted tissue.[7]

  1. ^ Kaňová N, Bičíková M (2011). "Hyperandrogenic states in pregnancy". Physiological Research. 60 (2): 243–252. doi:10.33549/physiolres.932078. PMID 21114372.
  2. ^ Rukundo J, Magriples U, Ntasumbumuyange D, Small M, Rulisa S, Bazzett-Matabele L (2017). "EP25.13: Theca lutein cysts in the setting of primary hypothyroidism". Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 50: 378. doi:10.1002/uog.18732.
  3. ^ a b Yacobozzi M, Nguyen D, Rakita D (February 2012). "Adnexal masses in pregnancy". Seminars in Ultrasound, CT, and MR. Multimodality Imaging of the Pregnant Patient. 33 (1): 55–64. doi:10.1053/j.sult.2011.10.004. PMID 22264903.
  4. ^ Lauren N, DeCherney AH, Pernoll ML (2003). Current obstetric & gynecologic diagnosis & treatment. New York: Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill. p. 708. ISBN 0-8385-1401-4.
  5. ^ William's Obstetrics (24th ed.). McGraw Hill. 2014. p. 50. ISBN 978-0-07-179893-8.
  6. ^ Coccia ME, Pasquini L, Comparetto C, Scarselli G (February 2003). "Hyperreactio luteinalis in a woman with high-risk factors. A case report". The Journal of Reproductive Medicine. 48 (2). et al.: 127–129. PMID 12621799.
  7. ^ a b Lavie O (2019). "Benign Disorders of the Ovaries & Oviducts". In DeCherney AH, Nathan L, Laufer N, Roman AS (eds.). CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment: Obstetrics & Gynecology (12th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.