Ovarian apoplexy

Ovarian apoplexy: causes, symptoms and treatment methods

Ovarian apoplexy is a hemorrhage in the ovary, which is accompanied by rupture and bleeding into the abdominal cavity. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. In this article we will look at the causes, symptoms and treatment methods for ovarian apoplexy.

Causes of ovarian apoplexy

In most cases, ovarian apoplexy occurs due to a rupture of the corpus luteum of the ovary or a corpus luteum cyst. This occurs due to pathological changes in blood vessels, such as varicose veins or sclerosis, against the background of a previous inflammatory process. Most often, ovarian apoplexy occurs at the time of ovulation or at the stage of vascularization of the corpus luteum, that is, in the middle and second phase of the cycle. However, other factors can also play a provoking role, such as injury, heavy lifting or violent sexual intercourse. It is also possible for the corpus luteum to rupture during pregnancy.

Symptoms and course of ovarian apoplexy

The main symptoms of ovarian apoplexy are acute pain and signs of internal bleeding. Acute pain syndrome occurs as a result of ovarian rupture and bleeding into the abdominal cavity. The pain can be very severe and spread throughout the entire abdominal cavity. Signs of internal bleeding may include paleness, loss of consciousness, extreme weakness, nausea and vomiting.

Diagnosis of ovarian apoplexy

Diagnosis of ovarian apoplexy presents significant difficulties, since similar phenomena are observed with impaired ectopic pregnancy. Ultrasound examination (US) may be required to clarify the diagnosis. However, the most informative is laparoscopy, which allows not only to visually assess the condition of the pelvic organs, but also, if necessary, to carry out surgical treatment. Sometimes the diagnosis is made during laparotomy, undertaken due to heavy internal bleeding.

Treatment of ovarian apoplexy

Urgent hospitalization is mandatory for patients with ovarian apoplexy. In the absence of significant internal bleeding and collapse, conservative tactics are possible, which include rest and applying cold to the lower abdomen. However, with increasing signs of internal bleeding, surgery is indicated. Depending on the degree of damage to the ovary, resection or suturing of the ovary is performed. If the bleeding area is small, it can be coagulated. If the corpus luteum of pregnancy ruptures, it is sutured without performing resection, otherwise the pregnancy will be terminated. Surgeries on the ovary can be performed either by laparotomy or laparoscopically.

It is necessary to compensate for blood loss, which can be carried out by retransfusion, transfusion of donor blood or blood substitutes. Cardiovascular medications may be prescribed according to indications.

In conclusion, ovarian apoplexy is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you experience severe abdominal pain and other signs of internal bleeding, contact your doctor immediately. Timely diagnosis and treatment can save lives and prevent serious complications.

**Apoplexy** is a pathological process in the female body in which hemorrhage occurs in the cavity of one of the pelvic organs. In the case of the ovary, this may be its rupture, accompanied by hemorrhage, bleeding and other serious complications. A rupture can occur either as a result of a strong blow or injury, or at rest. However, in the latter case, the most common cause of apoplexy is ovarian disease.

**Symptoms and signs** Ovarian apoplexy can be recognized by several key symptoms, namely: paroxysmal abdominal pain, abdominal muscle tension and increased heart rate. Patients may also experience nausea and vomiting, an increase in body temperature up to 39 degrees, mucous vaginal discharge and other less significant phenomena. Patients often complain of “wandering” pain in the lower abdomen on the side where the rupture occurred. This is due to the fact that the blood struggles to flow down somewhere and causes pain in the abdominal muscles. The pain may radiate to the leg on the same side, or the abdomen may swell. It is extremely important to seek medical help immediately if these symptoms occur. Patients need to immediately call an ambulance for hospitalization. It is also prohibited to take any analgesics or alcohol on your own. The doctor is able to make a diagnosis of apoplexy based on examination of the patient. When diagnosing apoplexy, it is mandatory to perform an ultrasound, and sometimes a laparoscopy.

Ovarian apoplexy is an acute complication of inflammatory disease of the peritoneum. It is characterized by hemorrhage into the ovary and hemorrhages into nearby tissues. A stroke that appears against the background of an ovarian cyst is considered the most dangerous pathological condition. But this disease occurs in women after 35 years or at a young age. Occurs 2–4 days after the end of menstruation.