Abstract
RATIONALE: Teratomas are solid tumors that may occur in both gonadal and extragonadal locations, depending on the age of the child. Benign cystic teratomas are relatively common tumors among women of reproductive age, but they can occur at any age. The clinical presentation is not specific. They can be found incidentally when patients are investigated for other conditions or they can present as emergencies when the ovarian teratoma is torsioned or ruptured. PATIENT CONCERNS: We present the case of a 17-year-old adolescent girl that was seen in our emergency department on several occasions for recurrent episodes of abdominal pain ongoing for 6 months. DIAGNOSIS: An ultrasonography (US) was performed as an outpatient and a left ovarian mass was found along with right ureterohydronephrosis (UHN). Further assessment of the mass was done by abdominal and pelvic CT and tumoral markers. CT appearance was more suggestive of a teratoma. INTERVENTIONS: She underwent laparotomy with complete excision of the tumor. OUTCOME: The patient had an uneventful recovery. A renal US follow up showed reduction of the dilatation, demonstrating that the condition was secondary to tumor compression. LESSONS: In a teenager with nonspecific symptoms, a high suspicion index for tumors is mandatory. An early diagnosis and management avoid complications like UHN.