A 27-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with acute-onset pain in the lower abdomen. She mentions that the pain radiates to her lower back and is accompanied by dizziness. Her past medical history indicates a polycystic ovarian syndrome. She denies vomiting or fever, but reports mild vaginal spotting. Her vital signs are stable, and a pelvic ultrasound reveals a complex, adnexal mass with moderate free fluid in the pelvine cul-de-sac. What is the most likely etiology of her symptoms?
In a patient with polycystic ovarian syndrome, the presence of an adnexal mass along with acute onset pain and hemoperitoneum (suggested by free fluid in the pelvis) indicates a high likelihood of ovarian cyst rupture with associated bleeding. Although ovarian torsion can also present with acute pain and an adnexal mass, the stable vital signs and the absence of nausea/vomiting make torsion less likely. Ectopic pregnancy is a possibility given the presence of vaginal spotting and acute pain, but would typically include positive pregnancy test findings, not provided in this scenario. Lastly, appendicitis typically presents with abdominal pain that originally occurs around the umbilicus and then migrates to the right lower quadrant, often accompanied by symptoms like nausea or loss of appetite.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What is an adnexal mass, and why is it significant in this scenario?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
How does free fluid in the pelvis suggest ovarian cyst rupture?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Why is ectopic pregnancy unlikely in this patient despite vaginal spotting?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
BCEN CEN
Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, Gynecology, and Obstetrical
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Pass with Confidence.
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package
You have hit the limits of our free tier, become a Premium Member today for unlimited access.
Military, Healthcare worker, Gov. employee or Teacher? See if you qualify for a Community Discount.
Monthly
$9.99
$9.99/mo
Billed monthly, Cancel any time.
3 Month Pass
$14.99
$4.99/mo
One time purchase of $14.99, Does not auto-renew.
BEST DEAL
Lifetime Pass
$29.99
One time purchase, Good for life.
What You Get
All Nursing and Medical Assistants Package plans include the following perks and exams .