Ectopic ovary: a case of autoamputated ovary with mature cystic teratoma into the cul-de-sac.

An ovary with a mature cystic teratoma which was autoamputated into the cul-de-sac and confirmed by laparoscopy is described. A 24-year-old woman with a history of chronic pelvic pain for 5 years presented with left abdominal pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left ovarian mass of 5 cm in diameter. The pain was relieved spontaneously after a few weeks. Laparoscopy was performed 5 months later. The mass was identified in the cul-de-sac partly enveloped in the omentum without any ligamentous or direct connection with the pelvic organs. There was no left ovary in its proper anatomical location. Histopathologic study revealed a mature cystic teratoma with viable ovarian tissue. These findings suggested autoamputation of the ovary either by inflammation or torsion, which is one of the mechanisms for the formation of an ectopic ovary.