Ruptured Parasitic Dermoid Cyst in Blunt Abdominal Trauma

Abstract

Ruptured parasitic dermoid cyst is one of the rare conditions that results from auto-amputation and re-implantation following torsion from the ovary and omentum, among other sites. Due to trauma to the abdomen, it may rupture, resulting in spillage of its contents and causing chemical peritonitis. The diagnosis is based on clinical presentation complimented by abdominal ultrasound in low resource settings. A case of a 44-year-old (Iraqw by tribe) who presented with clinical features of acute generalized abdominal pain and distension for two days following blunt abdominal trauma. The abdominal ultrasound revealed a mass of mixed echogenicity with intraperitoneal free fluid. She underwent laparotomy, revealing ruptured parasitic dermoid cyst adhered to the anterior abdominal wall and urinary bladder, then excised. The high degree of suspicion of ruptured parasitic dermoid cyst is justified in adult patient with chemical peritonitis manifestation. The laparotomy is surgical management of choice in low-resource settings followed by prolonged follow-up.