Adnexal mass during pregnancy: a review

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this review was to determine the likelihood of malignancy or complications with ultrasonographic diagnosis of adnexal masses in pregnancy and to evaluate the obstetrical outcomes. Materials and

Methods: A review of literature was performed using keywords "adnexal mass and pregnancy" or "ovarian mass and pregnancy."

Results: Out of the 340 abstracts reviewed, 313 were excluded. The incidence of adnexal mass in pregnancy varied from 0.1 to 2.4%, with an average of 0.02%. Regarding the likelihood of malignancy, in seven publications, there were 557 women with 563 adnexal masses. Of these 563 masses, 48% were classified as simple and 52% as complex. Among the simple masses, 1% were malignant. Among the complex masses, 9% were malignant. When comparing laparoscopy and laparotomy, the rate of preterm contractions was found to be higher in patients undergoing laparotomy and this was statistically significant. Other measures, such as spontaneous abortion, vaginal bleeding, < 37 week delivery, and intrauterine fetal demise, were not found to have a significant difference.

Conclusion: Adnexal masses in pregnancy occur infrequently and depending on whether the surgery was performed emergently or electively, via laparoscopy or laparotomy, the outcomes will vary.