Tubo-Ovarian Abscesses in Nonsexually Active Adolescents: A Rare but Consequential Miss

A tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) is an emergent and potentially life-threatening illness. Rapid administration of antibiotics, interventional radiology abscess drainage, and/or gynecologic surgery are critical interventions. The goal is to prevent abscess rupture, which can lead to peritonitis, severe sepsis, recurrent hospitalizations, and, in rare circumstances, death [1]. Although mortality from TOA in the U.S. is uncommon, the result of an untreated TOA can have lasting damaging effects to pelvic organs and increase the risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian vein thrombosis, and chronic pelvic pain [2].
Source: Journal of Adolescent Health - Category: Child Development Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research