Recurrent Hemorrhagic Ascites: A Rare Presentation of Endometriosis

• Published in: Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953) Vol. 110; no. 2; pp. 521 - 522
• Main Authors: Palayekar, Meena, Jenci, Joseph, Carlson, John A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 01-08-2007; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Abdomen; Ascites - diagnosis; Ascites - etiology; Ascites - surgery; Biological and medical sciences; Diagnosis, Differential; Endometriosis - complications; Endometriosis - diagnosis; Endometriosis - surgery; Female; Female genital diseases; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Hemorrhage - diagnosis; Hemorrhage - etiology; Hemorrhage - surgery; Humans; Hysterectomy; Medical sciences; Non tumoral diseases; Other diseases. Semiology; Ovariectomy; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome; Relapse; Effusion; Abdominal disease; Gynecology; Uterine diseases; Endometriosis; Ascites; Hemorrhage; Obstetrics; Female genital diseases
• ISSN: 0029-7844; 1873-233X
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000268283.99315.58

Endometriosis is rarely a cause of recurrent hemorrhagic ascites. This report draws attention to this uncommon condition, which could present a diagnostic dilemma.
A young African-American woman who had experienced recurrent hemorrhagic ascites for more than 2 years underwent laparotomy and was found to have extensive pelvic endometriosis. After a hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, her ascites resolved.
Endometriosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent hemorrhagic ascites in premenopausal women. The diagnosis always requires operative assessment and histologic confirmation.